Significance of 108 in Spirituality

Malas are not only used for its significance to the wearer with its properties but used by yogis and spiritual seekers for many centuries to help keep their minds focused during meditation. The main purpose of the beads in Malas  is to help recite mantras as you meditate. This helps  the user of the mantra to focus on the vibration, meaning and sound of what is being said, while counting the beads.

Each mala contains a set number of beads (usually 108) representing spiritual identity and connection with the universe. In meditation the idea is to move one bead at a time, using each movement as an opportunity to focus on a breath or mantra. This practice of repeating a mantra while counting the beads is called japa.

Why 108 Beads in Mala for Japa or meditation practice?

Meaning Behind 108 beads:-

• Chakras

The energy line intersect in our body at Chakras -the seven focal points in our subtle bodies. Some yoga teachers describe 108 energy channels (nadis) meeting at the heart chakra, one of them believed to lead to self-realisation. This is a symbolic explanation rather than a fixed traditional teaching.

• Chanting Mantras

When using your mala beads in meditation and chanting your mantra, some have said you are complete once you have done it 100 times. The 8 extra beads are to account for errors. Or even more beautiful, are meant to be an offering to your guru.

• Letters

Some teachers link 108 to the Sanskrit alphabet, pairing each of 54 sounds with a Shiva (masculine) and Shakti (feminine) aspect. This is a devotional interpretation; standard counts of the alphabet differ.

•  Meaning behind the Number

As separate numbers, it is believed that 1 stands for higher Truth, 0 for spiritual completeness and 8 for eternity.

•  Universe Truth

The distance from the Earth to the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter, and the Moon’s distance is roughly 110 times its diameter, a coincidence many people find meaningful.

•  Sacred Number

The number 108 is sacred in many Eastern religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. In Tibetan Buddhism malas or rosaries are usually 108 beads plus the guru bead, reflecting the words of the Buddha called in Tibetan the Kangyur in 108 volumes.

• Harshad

The number 108 is also known as a ‘Harshad’ number, which means that it can be divided by the sum of its digits. In Sanskrit language, harshad means ‘great joy’.

Add the power of this three-digit number “108” Malas beads in your life to bring the significance of beads to the wearer and practice for meditation for your mind. 108 beads can mean whatever you want it to mean. So, grab your Himalayas Mala Beads Today from Himalayas Shop where all our mala and beads are not only authentic and genuine natural stone but it is made with a lot of love and dedication from the local artisan of Nepal. Click here to shop now