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Why does a Mala have 108 Beads ?

29/02/2024 | Avish Bansal

Why does a Mala have 108 Beads ?

The Sacred Enigma of 108

Ever wondered why a traditional mala consists of 108 beads? This sacred number is woven into the fabric of various philosophical, scientific, and religious traditions, each offering a unique perspective on its significance. From the ancient Sanskrit alphabet to the cosmic dance between the Sun, Earth, and Moon, the number 108 bridges the material and the spiritual, the micro and the macro.



108 in Philosophy, Science, and Religion


Sanskrit Alphabet: A Dance of Energies
Delve into the vibrational essence of the Sanskrit script, where 54 letters embody the dynamic balance of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies, culminating in the sacred sum of 108.

Heart Chakra: A Convergence of Paths
Journey through the body's energetic labyrinth, where 108 pathways unite to form the heart chakra, a portal to enlightenment guided by the sushumna nadi.

Celestial Harmony: The Sun, Earth, and Moon
Marvel at the astronomical precision with which the Sun's and Moon's diameters relate to the Earth, encapsulated by the mystical multiplier of 108.

Astrological Tapestry: Houses and Planets
Contemplate the intricate astrological matrix, where the 12 houses and 9 planets weave a cosmic pattern, echoing the number 108.

Mathematical Elegance: The Power of Numbers
Appreciate the mathematical symphony of 1, 2, and 3, whose harmonious powers unite to reveal the number 108, a symbol of cosmic and mathematical perfection.

Joy of Numbers: 108 as a Harshad Number
Experience the joy embedded in numbers, where 108 stands as a Harshad number, a beacon of great joy, divisible by the sum of its digits.

Ganga's Grace: Sacred Geography
Embark on a geographical pilgrimage along the Ganges, whose coordinates reflect the sacredness of 108, tying the spiritual to the spatial.

Spiritual Journey: From One to Infinity
Embark on a spiritual odyssey from unity through emptiness to eternity, encapsulated by the digits 1, 0, and 8, mapping the path to transcendence.

Breath of Enlightenment: The Pranayama Connection
Explore the serene realms of meditation, where achieving a state of 108 breaths a day heralds the dawn of enlightenment.

 

The Guru Bead: Honoring the Source

The mala's 109th bead, known as the sumeru, bindu, stupa, or guru bead, stands outside the cycle of 108, symbolizing gratitude and reverence to the guru-student lineage. It marks the beginning and end of meditation cycles, ensuring the energy generated is not lost but returned and offered back to the guru or the divine source.
In essence, the 108 beads of a mala encapsulate an extraordinary spectrum of universal truths, from the cosmic to the personal, leading practitioners on a journey of reflection, gratitude, and deeper understanding.

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