Numbers and nature have always been intertwined. In fact, many engineering disciplines could be described as applying mathematical theories and numbers to nature in order to progress technology.
Many numbers and the functions they symbolize are repeated in nature. 0,1, 2, and 3 are primary examples of these. Numbers like 13, 96, and 108 have profound cultural significance depending on where in the world you are. To those who think analytically, the world world may be described in numbers.This article pays special attention to the significance of 108.
Although the number is open to interpretation there is no doubt of its significance in Asian cultures and religion.
ASTRONOMY: If you believe that the Gods created the heavenly bodies, you’d find some evidence to support this belief. Both the Sun and the Moon are exactly 108 time their diameter from the Earth. This equality of distance ratios between these 3 celestial bodies is the reason why we the moon perfectly covers the sun in a solar eclipse.
MATHEMATICS:In mathematics, the number 108 is an abundant number, a semiperfect number, a tetranacci number, and a hyperfactorial of 3 (11*22*33).
MANTRA: In Hinduism, the Mukha Shivaganas are the attendants of Shiva and number in 108. Typically, prayer beads in both Buddhism and Hinduism will include 108 beads to repeat mantras (with the possibility of adding in 1-3 guru beads) or to name the Mukha Shivanganas. Even hard-core yogis (especially those with religious practices) will repeat Sun Salutations 108 times.
MEDITATION: 108 may be interpreted as the number of enlightenment in Hinduism and Yoga. It is a number of connection, spirituality, and even astronomy.In Buddhism, there are 108 feelings, or earthly temptations one must overcome in order to reach Nirvana. This number if found by multiplying the number of senses (smell, touch, taste, hearing, sight, and consciousness) by their condition (painful, pleasant, or neutral) again by their origin (internal and external) and finally by time (past, present, or future). In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bell 108 times to end the old year and welcome in the new one.
Theories may go on and on as to the cultural, historical, physical, and spiritual significance of 108, but one thing the number represents is connection. Maybe you won’t find enlightenment through the number 108, but it may be a place to start!