What is the Significance of Number 9 and 108 in Yoga and Indian Tradition?
In the practice of yoga and meditation, numbers hold deep spiritual significance, reflecting the interconnectedness of the universe and the journey of self-discovery.
What is the Significance of number 9 in Yoga and Indian Tradition?
In numerology, the number 9 is considered sacred and symbolises completion, fulfilment, and spiritual attainment.
It represents the highest level of consciousness and is associated with wisdom and selfless service.
Navagrahas:
In Hindu astrology, there are nine celestial bodies or planets known as the Navagrahas.
These include…
Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.
Each planet is believed to influence various aspects of how your life unfolds and your karma. They play an important role in astrology and spiritual practices.
Nine Forms of Devi:
In Hinduism, the Divine Feminine is worshipped in her various forms, known as the Navadurga or Nine Forms of Devi.
These forms include…
Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Each form represents different aspects of feminine energy and qualities.
Nava Graha Mantra:
There are specific mantras dedicated to each of the Navagrahas, known as the Nava Graha Mantra.
The Navagrahas include…
Sun (Surya),
Moon (Chandra)
Mars (Mangala)
Mercury (Budha)
Jupiter (Brihaspati)
Venus (Shukra)
Saturn (Shani)
Rahu (north node of the moon)
Ketu (south node of the moon)
These mantras are chanted to appease the planetary deities.
This soothes the effects of the 9 planets in your zodiac and seeks their blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Nine Paths of Bhakti:
In Bhakti yoga, there are nine main paths of devotion (Navadha Bhakti) through which devotees can connect with the Divine.
These paths include…
Shravanam (hearing the divine stories)
Kirtanam (singing the praises)
Smaranam (remembering the Divine)
Padasevanam (serving the feet of the Divine)
Archanam (worshipping the Divine)
Vandanam (offering obeisance)
Dasyam (serving as a servant)
Sakhyam (developing friendship)
Atmanivedanam (surrendering oneself to the Divine)
What is the Significance of number 108 in Yoga and Indian Tradition?
108 holds profound spiritual significance and is considered sacred for several reasons:
Cosmic Connection:
The number 108 is believed to represent the entire universe and cosmic order.
In Hinduism, there are 108 Upanishads, which are ancient philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the Self.
There are also 108 Puranas, which are mythological texts that recount the stories of gods, goddesses, and ancient sages.
Vedic Astrology:
In Vedic astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets.
When multiplied together, 12 x 9 equals 108.
This signifies the harmonious relationship between the celestial bodies and their influence on human consciousness and each person’s destiny.
Energy Points:
Within the body, there are 108 energy channels, or nadis.
They meet to form the heart chakra, known as Anahata.
This chakra is associated with love, compassion, and spiritual growth.
Chanting mantras and other yoga practices aim to awaken and balance these energy channels for unity and connection to Universal Consciousness, Cosmic love and the higher Self.
Japa Mala Meditation:
Japa Mala meditation consists of chanting a prayer on each of the beads of a mala necklace.
There are 108 beads made of sacred tulsi wood.
Each bead represents a mantra or intention. Repeating your prayer or mantra 108 times is believed to bring spiritual purification and transformation.
‘Mala’ translates to garland.
‘Japa’ means to utter in a low voice and repeat internally.
On a mala necklace, there is usually one guru bead that is often bigger than the others. The guru bead opens and closes the practice. It holds your prayers and intentions.
The tassel often found on the necklace represents the lotus flower of spiritual awakening.
Astronomical Significance:
In astronomy, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 108 times the Sun's diameter, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon is also about 108 times the Moon's diameter.
This cosmic alignment is seen as a reflection of the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.
The number 108 is honoured in yoga tradition as a symbol of cosmic unity, spiritual evolution, and the interconnectedness of all existence.
