Why Chant 108 times?
The ancients
were aware of the significance of the number 108, which is present throughout the material universe. From ancient measurements of the ecliptic paths of the sun and moon, to the distances and diameters of the earth, sun and moon.
To chant 108 times is said to help bring us into harmony with the vibrations of the universe.
To chant anything 108 times
has the effect of aligning us with the principles and energies of the chant. We are transformed by our immersion in the rhythms and movement of our breath, the vibrations from our voice and enunciation, and from our focus on a particular subject or intention.
Are other amounts of chant repititions acceptable?
Based on common teaching, any number of chants is acceptable as long 108 is divisible by that number, such as 27, 36, or 54. Some traditions don’t adhere to this guideline and repeat a mantra 24 times, some 30 times, and some 50 times. The common element in all the traditions is to chant long enough to escape the self and immerse in the transforming energy of the mantra, regardless of the exact number chanted (so relax already and get to chanting!).
The Indian Mala
is made up of 108 beads, plus a ‘guru’ bead. This facilitates chanting a mantra 108 times without having to keep count. One chant, one bead. Its as easy as that. Om is sounded as the chant begins on the guru bead, and sounded again when the guru bead is reached at the end. Mala beads can also be used in meditation and pranayama practice.
108 and Astronomy
The average diameter of the moon times 108 is the average distance of the moon from the earth.- The average diameter of the earth times 108 is the average diameter of the sun.
- The average diameter of the sun times 108 is the average distance of the earth from the sun.
I heard about this but needed convincing. I went to the nasa.gov website and got the corresponding numbers and did the math myself. The numbers came out so close there was no question about its validity.
Check it out yourself if you have the time and curiosity!
-Bryan
Watch and Listen to 108 Gayatri Mantra – Men of Heartsong from a chanting session in October of 2017, with the men at Heartsong Retreat Center in Newton County, Arkansas. The chant is accompanied by photos from this beautiful and verdant corner of our world.
Next: What about Religion and Chanting?
