It started with a simple question: Why are there 108 beads in a mala? When I first began my journey into mala-making, I didn't realize how much this number would come to mean to me. At first, it seemed arbitrary, just another tradition to honor without fully understanding its roots. But as I explored its significance, I found myself captivated by the sacred nature of 108 and how it threads through so many cultures, philosophies, and practices.
The First Mala I Made
I remember sitting down with a collection of beads, unsure of what I was doing but feeling deeply drawn to the process. The repetitive nature of stringing each bead, knotting it with care, and reciting affirmations felt meditative. When I finished my first mala, I was struck by its completeness—108 beads, each one intentionally placed, forming a circle of energy and purpose. That moment planted the seed for my obsession with this number.
Discovering the Meaning Behind 108
My curiosity led me to research why 108 is considered sacred. I learned about its connection to yoga, where 108 represents the convergence of energy lines (nadis) in the heart chakra. I discovered its importance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where it symbolizes completeness, wholeness, and the universe itself. From the 108 Upanishads to the 108 earthly desires in Buddhism, the number kept appearing, each time deepening my fascination.
Connecting to the Universe
What struck me most was the scientific and astronomical significance of 108. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun's diameter, and the same is true for the Earth and the Moon. It felt like a reminder that everything is interconnected—the cosmos, the earth, and even our spiritual practices.
How 108 Influences My Practice
As I continued making malas, the number 108 became more than a tradition; it became a guide. Each bead I string represents an intention, a breath, or a moment of mindfulness. Chanting mantras 108 times became a way to ground myself and align with the universe's rhythm. I started incorporating the energy of 108 into my yoga classes and meditations, sharing its significance with my students.
A Lifelong Connection
Today, 108 is a part of everything I do. Whether it's teaching about chakras, creating Reiki-infused jewelry, or guiding meditations, this number serves as a reminder of balance, unity, and the infinite possibilities within each of us. It’s no longer just a number; it’s a symbol of my journey, my growth, and my connection to something greater.
Every time I make a mala, I think back to that first one—the curiosity, the care, and the energy I poured into it. That single string of 108 beads set me on a path I’m still walking today, a path filled with creativity, mindfulness, and a deep reverence for the sacred.
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