Unpacking the Significance of 108
The number 108 is considered an auspicious, or sacred, number. For this reason, a traditional japa mala, or prayer garland, has 108 beads. It’s also why many practitioners take on the challenge of 108 sun salutations during the summer and winter solstice. Across many cultures and traditions, 108 is seen as a symbol of wholeness, unity, and the totality of all that exists.
Many of these connections are symbolic rather than literal, pointing us toward the sense of vastness and unity that the number represents. In yoga, 108 is woven deeply into our practices and teachings. Here’s a glimpse into why it is considered so sacred:
Mala Beads
The 108 beads on a mala are used to keep count during mantra repetition. The final few are often seen as offerings—making space for mistakes, wandering thoughts, or devotion to God or one’s teacher.
The Upanishads
The Upanishads are the final portion of the Vedas, known as Vedanta, or “the end of the Vedas.” While the earlier Vedas focus on ritual and hymn, the Upanishads turn inward, exploring meditation, consciousness, and the nature of reality itself. They form the philosophical heart of yoga, and tradition tells us there are 108 primary Upanishads.
Shri Yantra
The Shri Yantra is a sacred geometric diagram used in meditation and ritual. It’s made up of nine interlocking triangles that radiate from a central point, symbolizing the union of the divine masculine and feminine, and the unfolding of the cosmos itself. Within the Shri Yantra there are 54 points of energy, each with both masculine and feminine aspects, making 54 × 2 = 108.
Sacred Names
Many deities are said to have 108 names, each reflecting a different aspect of their nature.
Sacred Places
There are 108 sacred sites (pithas) spread across India.
Marma Points
Ayurveda recognizes 108 vital points in the human body where energy is concentrated.
Cosmic Connections
- The Sun’s diameter is about 108 times that of Earth.
- The distance from Earth to the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter.
- The distance from Earth to the Moon is about 108 times the Moon’s diameter.
And for good measure
In India, 108 is even the number for emergency services. (That’s how much trust it holds!)
________________________________________________________________________
No matter how you encounter it—through a mala in your hand, a sacred text, or even in the vastness of the cosmos—the number 108 serves as a reminder of our connection to something greater. It invites us to pause, to breathe, and to remember that we are part of a much larger whole. And if you ever hear a yoga teacher or fellow practitioner suggest doing something 108 times, now you know: it’s a little nod to this timeless symbol of unity and wholeness.
At The Yoga Sanctuary, we close most of our classes by joining our voices together in the sound of Om just three times. However, once a year, on September 21st, International Day of Peace, we unite our voices in a powerful tradition, chanting Om 108 times. It’s one of the many ways we honor the depth of yoga’s teachings in community. Learn more about the sacred sound of Om HERE.