Traditionally, the Gayatri mantra is recited or chanted 108 times on three occasions daily – at sunrise, at midday and at dusk, when the sun is setting.
It can be repeated in totals of 108, 1,008, 10,008, etc.
When we repeat the Gayatri mantra three times over the day, we are basically affirming the concept of the trinity of life – birth, growth, death.
A japa mala (prayer beads), having 108 beads, is often used during the chanting of the mantra.
For centuries, the number 108 has had relevance in Hinduism, Buddhism and in yoga and dharma related spiritual practices. Countless explanations have been given to provide significance to the number 108. Here are a few:
The ancient Indians were excellent mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation (e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have special numerological significance.
There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, Shiva and Shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
On the Sri Yantra, there are marmas (intersections) where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.
9 times 12 is 108. Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many ancient traditions.
The chakras, our energy centers, are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, Sushumna, leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
In vedic astrology there are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.
In 108, 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.
It is said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on its journey.
There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian tradition of Bharatanatyam.
There are 108 Upanishads according to the Muktikopanishad.
It can be repeated in totals of 108, 1,008, 10,008, etc.
When we repeat the Gayatri mantra three times over the day, we are basically affirming the concept of the trinity of life – birth, growth, death.
A japa mala (prayer beads), having 108 beads, is often used during the chanting of the mantra.
For centuries, the number 108 has had relevance in Hinduism, Buddhism and in yoga and dharma related spiritual practices. Countless explanations have been given to provide significance to the number 108. Here are a few:
The ancient Indians were excellent mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation (e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have special numerological significance.
There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, Shiva and Shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
On the Sri Yantra, there are marmas (intersections) where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.
9 times 12 is 108. Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many ancient traditions.
The chakras, our energy centers, are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, Sushumna, leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
In vedic astrology there are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.
In 108, 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.
It is said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on its journey.
There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian tradition of Bharatanatyam.
There are 108 Upanishads according to the Muktikopanishad.
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