You must have noticed that it is always advised to chant a mantra at least 108 times. Whether it's 'Om Namah Shivaye' or the Gayatri mantra, people repeat the mantra at least 108 times. Additionally, many industrialists, entrepreneurs, or even common people use this number in their brand names or passwords. However, when asked why they do this, they say it's a sacred number, but what's so sacred about it? Does it have a spiritual significance?
Let’s look at the reasons why mantra chanting at least 108 times is considered sacred and what’s so special about this number.
1. It Aligns Us With The Universe
According to Vedic cosmology, 108 represents creation, on which our universe and all our existence depend. Do you know the distance between the Earth and the sun is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Earth? Similarly, the distance between the sun and the moon is about 108 times the diameter of the moon.
The Sun, Moon and Earth appear to be tied in this ratio, which symbolises harmony and synchrony. Lastly, there are 12 zodiac signs which are connected to 9 planets of the universe, and when multiplied, give us 108.
When we chant a mantra 108 times, it aligns our energy better with the universe. It also said that number 108 represents the distance between our body and the God within us. So, chanting it this many times can help us feel more connected with our higher self.
2. It's Connected To Our Chakras
According to Vedic astrology, our body has 7 chakras, starting from the tailbone of our spine to the top of our head. When aligned properly, these chakras bring spiritual growth. These are the energy centres of our body. The heart chakra, which is located near our heart, has 108 nadis, or energy lines. It is believed that opening this energy centre brings us happiness and stability in our lives. Chanting the mantra 108 times helps to activate these energy channels, purify the chakras, and free the flow of ‘prana’ throughout the body.
Chanting the mantra 108 times helps to activate these chakras, and free the flow of ‘prana’ (Image: Magnific)
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3. Significance In Meditation
108 has significance in meditation. It is said that there are 108 pranayamas, or styles, to regulate our breathing. According to spiritual beliefs, if a person breathes 108 times in a day, they will be able to achieve enlightenment.
Additionally, when we repeat something continuously, it helps us to memorise it and improve our concentration. When a devotee chants a mantra at least 108 times, their distractions fade away, and a sense of peace and stillness comes into their mind.
4. Buddhist Beliefs
According to Buddhist beliefs, 108 is a sacred number because it symbolises spiritual completion, the entirety of life, and the path to enlightenment. It primarily represents the 108 earthly desires that one must overcome to achieve Nirvana.
Besides this, in their prayer necklaces, there are 108 beads. Each bead represents one repetition of a mantra, and as you move through it, you penetrate deeper into the vibration of the sound, which results in a better connection with your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual being.
Each bead in a mala represents one repetition of a mantra (Image:Magnific)
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Now you know why chanting a mantra 108 times is considered so significant spiritually, cosmologically, and numerologically. The number is believed to represent the wholeness of the universe and symbolises the spiritual journey from the material self to the highest divine consciousness