28 Feb What is the meaning of number 108 in yoga?
If you attend yoga classes, you most probably came accross number 108 many times, since it is considered a magic number not only in India but in many other regions of Asia. Below you will find some of the many reasons why it is considered magical:
- The number 108 is understood as a representation of unity, divinity or a higher truth, i.e. (1), emptiness or fullness (0) and infinity or eternity symbolized by 8.
- in the Sanskrit alphabet there are 54 letters, and each has two apsects, i.e. male and female, i.e. 108 in total
- there are 108 major Upanishads in the collection of Hindu religious-philosophical texts
- rudraksha and mala used for meditation and prayer, have 108 beads
- in hatha yoga, the ritual sequence has 108 sun salutations
- in Hinduism there are 108 holy places called pithas
- 108 feelings can be distinguished, 36 of which concern the past, 36 of which concern the present and 36 of which concern the future
In addition to the above explanations, there are really many more interpretations. I have chosen only a few for you, because I definitely prefer to practice 108 sun salutations rather than wonder why 108 is magical 🙂
No Comments