What is the significance of 108 in yoga philosophy
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Significance of 108 in Yoga Philosophy
The number 108 is considered sacred and deeply symbolic in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian spiritual traditions. It represents the wholeness of existence — the union of body, mind, and consciousness.
- Cosmic & Astronomical Significance
The distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 108 times the Sun’s diameter.
The distance between the Earth and the Moon is roughly 108 times the Moon’s diameter.
These alignments symbolize the deep connection between the microcosm (you) and the macrocosm (the universe).- Yogic Anatomy – 108 Marma Points
In Ayurveda and yoga:
The human body has 108 marma points (vital energy points).
Together they represent the complete map of pranic flow in the body.- 108 Upanishads
Ancient yogic wisdom is encoded in the 108 Upanishads, the core philosophical texts of India.
This reflects the fullness of spiritual knowledge.- Mala Beads – 108 Beads for Japa
A traditional mala has 108 beads used for mantra repetition (japa).
It is believed that chanting a mantra 108 times purifies:Mind (Manas)
Intellect (Buddhi)
Ego (Ahamkara)
- Symbolic Numerology
In yogic numerology:
1 = Higher Consciousness or Oneness
0 = Emptiness / Wholeness / Universe
8 = Infinity / Eternal Flow
Together, 108 represents the journey from individual self to infinite universal consciousness.
- 108 Energy Lines in the Body
According to Hatha Yoga, 108 nadis converge at the heart chakra (Anahata).
This shows that 108 is the number of pathways for prana toward spiritual awakening.- 12 × 9 = 108 – Astrological Significance
12 zodiac signs × 9 planets = 108 combinations.
Yoga views these cosmic forces as influencing human life and karma.Simple Way to Explain
108 is a symbolic number representing completeness — the entire universe, the human body, and spiritual awakening are interconnected through this number.
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