Question Regarding Japa Mala Technique/the number 108

[Guest guest]

Om Namah Shivaya,

 

Len/Kalipadma gave a wonderful, comprehensive list of reasons below for the

importance of 108, so I am adding this feeling rather goofy...since everyone

probably knows it...but just in case, here goes...

108 adds up to 9 (which was considered an important or auspicious number too

by my family guru). All multiples of 9 add up to 9 (certainly 18, 108, 1008,

etc.)...perhaps there is a mystic significance in 9 too? Any

explanations/elaborations re: this number...and perhaps its relation to 108

specifically?

 

Re: japa mala technique, I have been told that the mala is pulled toward you

(thumb and middle finger) till you get to Meru, then turned and continued in

same direction without crossing Meru. I have a hard time with the pulling to

tell the truth...my rudraksha beads are kind of small too.

 

What is the significance of the rudraksha beads (just as the sandalwood and

tiger-eye have specific powers?)

 

Usha

 

 

<<

On Sat, 08 Sep 2001 11:53:34 -0700 Fe Langdon <flangdon

writes:

> Namah Shivaya,

> Does anyone know what the significance of 108 is?

>

 

There are quite a few attempts at explanation. Number 18, written in

Hebrew letters (Chet = 8, Yod = 10), spells "Chai" or "Life," and is

considered lucky.

 

For Hindus, Buddhists, and Moslems, the auspicious number is 108 (or

1008, or 10008, or...).

 

Many explanations are astrological. One is the number of the Sun, source

of all Light. Eight is the number of Saturn, planet of Darkness. Zero

between is symbol of Space and the Void.

 

There are 12 zodical constellations, and 9 planets in Jyotish (Vedic

astrology). Run each of the plaents through each of the signs, and you

have 108 variations. (9 x 12 = 108)

 

Similarly, there are 27 Lunar mansions (nakshatras) along the Zodiac,

each of which has 4 "feet" or <padas>. 27 x 4 = 108.

 

Lord Rama wanted to offer 108 lotuses to Durga in a puja. Ma Durga

appeared, and said, "I cannot grant your request. There are only 107

lotuses here."

 

Lord Rama unsheathed his knife and said, "Sita has often compared my eyes

to blue-black lotuses. Let me offer an eye in place of the missing

lotus..."

 

Ma Durga smiled, and presented the 108th lotus, which she had hidden.

"You are brave, and honorable, Lord Rama. And you will win this war with

Sri Lanka."

 

Since 108 is the number of auspiciousness (<mangalam> in Sanskrit) I know

many devotees of the Mother who shout "Mangalam!" when they see a digital

clock flash either 1:08 or 10:08...

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

>>

[Guest guest]

>DJUM

 

>What is the significance of the rudraksha beads (just as the sandalwood and

>tiger-eye have specific powers?)

 

I found this after a search on Google:

http://www.geocities.com/rudrakshabeads/

 

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