You may wonder why there are 108 beads on a mala and this is always a fun question to answer!
108 is considered a sacred number in many spiritual cultures and carries much symbolism.
- There are 108 energy lines (Nadis/mini chakras) within the body.
- Ayurveda has shown 108 sacred intersection points (Marmas) that hold the vital life energy within the body.
- There are 108 known Upanishads, sacred texts of wisdom from ancient sages.
- In Hinduism, the number 108 has a meaning that Nava Mala really connects with. 1 represents the beginning, the Divine Creation. 0 represents the emptiness or completeness at the beginning of a spiritual journey. 8 is the infinity sign, holding eternity.
- There are also 108 names for the Hindu female deities.
- 108 displays itself very consciously throughout India's sacred temples and sites as well as the Universe.
- In Astronomy, the number 108 amazingly connects the earth, sun, and moon. The diameter of the sun is 108 times that of the earth. The distance between the sun and earth is approximately 108 times the diameter of the sun.
- Within the yoga tradition, 108 comes in factors of 9. 108 rounds of sun salutations in the Surya Namskar. Pranayama and breath work is usually performed with 108 breaths to receive full benefits.
Next time you sit down to chant or meditate with your mala, take a breath and think of 108. Envision it in your mind. Ask yourself to show you 108 in your life. Blessings will come rushing in!
