The intricate interplay of time and human existence reveals a profound connection between Earth, the Sun, the Moon and the solar system, impacting the essence of creation and human life. The alignment of these cosmic elements is governed by precise numerical relationships, culminating in the sacred number 108, resonating throughout the tapestry of existence.
Kala, or the concept of time, is an inexorable force that perpetually unfolds. Within this realm, individuals can either navigate the currents of time and fashion a life of exquisite beauty or succumb to the relentless, unyielding wheel of temporal progression. The repercussions of these choices are profound; either time becomes the agent of one’s dissolution or serves as the catalyst for one’s liberation. This dimension of time stands as the most consequential aspect of creation, extending beyond the limited boundaries of human cognition. Indeed, without the framework of time, the very notions of origin and culmination, and thus creation itself, would remain nonexistent.
Our existence is interwoven with the tapestry of time. It is within the confines of time that we are born and meet our end. Comprehending time’s significance, laws, and intrinsic nature is vital to mastery over it. Recognizing this profound interdependence, the wise sages, seers, and yogis have given the utmost attention and reverence to the study of time.
Most of this discussion is based on Sadhguru’s discourses (2014). In yogic tradition, a healthy individual is believed to breathe 10,800 times in the sunlight and 10,800 times in the moonlight, resulting in the sacred number 108. The intricate dance of time and human existence reveals a profound connection between the Earth, the Sun, and the solar system—the elements encompassing our immediate creation. The remarkable observation that explains this connection is as follows: the distance between the Sun and Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun, while the diameter of the Moon, when multiplied by 108, yields the distance between Earth and the Moon. Notably, the diameter of the Sun stands at an impressive 108 times that of the Earth. The elliptical shape of the Earth’s orbit introduces variability, leading to the designation 108 as a prime number in Hindu scriptures. This orbital characteristic also explains why the Sun and Moon align ideally during solar and lunar eclipses. The close and nearly equal ratios in these cosmic phenomena contribute to the delicate equilibrium between sunshine and moonlight on Earth, enabling the sustenance of life. Any abrupt alteration in these ratios could result in widespread consequences, such as tsunamis, since the Moon’s gravitational force influences tides. At the same time, drastic temperature changes could render the planet exceedingly cold.
In Vedic astrology, the lunar calendar consists of 27 lunar mansions coupled with the four phases of the Moon. When these numbers are subjected to multiplication, the resulting number is 108. Our planet, Earth, an elegantly spherical celestial entity, gracefully orbits through the vast cosmos, tracing a grand and circular trajectory. What adds to the interconnected phenomenon is the realization that it takes 25,920 years to complete this cosmic cycle. This subtle tilt in Earth’s orbit is attributed to the gravitational influence of the Moon, which plays an essential role in shaping Earth’s orbital path. In the profound wisdom of ancient India, these grand temporal epochs are known as the cycles of yugas, each comprising eight distinctive yugas, symbolizing the evolution of human consciousness throughout the millennia.
To further accentuate this cosmic choreography, insights from the Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian astronomical treatise, are enlightening. This ancient text posits that sunlight travels a remarkable 2,202 yojanas in half a nimisha. For context, one yojana equals nine miles, resulting in a staggering 19,818 miles when considering 2,202 yojanas. Furthermore, one nimisha equals 16/75 of a second, while half a nimisha equals 8/75 of a second, or approximately 0.106666 seconds. This calculation unveils that light traverses 19,818 miles within a mere 0.10666 seconds, achieving a remarkable speed of 185,793 miles per second. Notably, this figure closely aligns with modern scientific measurements, which determine the speed of light to be 186,282 miles per second. This pattern is astounding because ancient sages arrived at this figure through keen observation of the intricate interplay between the human and solar systems centuries before modern scientific instruments and technology.
Human Experience and the Natural World
Within the intricate dance of the cosmos, a profound connection emerges between Earth and the human experience, a connection that transcends the bounds of mere coincidence. One such captivating connection is encapsulated within 432, which surfaces across diverse global cultures, including Norse, ancient Jewish, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indian civilizations. This number, 432, is derived from Earth’s axial precession cycle, the great celestial clockwork governing the Earth’s slow gyration. The total duration of the axial precession cycle, approximately 25,920 years, when divided by the average human heart rate, which amounts to 60 beats per minute, results in 432. Strikingly, this number, 432, surfaces in diverse cultural contexts, encompassing Norse, ancient Jewish, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indian civilizations.
In good health, an individual typically breathes at about 15 breaths per minute. Dedicated practice and heightened proficiency can diminish this respiratory rate to 12 breaths per minute. Consequently, the tally extends to 900 breaths within an hour and culminates at 21,600 breaths daily. The mathematical synchrony unfolds as 216, when multiplied by 2, seamlessly transforms back into the auspicious number 432. To understand this phenomenon, it is essential to consider the measurement of the Earth’s circumference. In this context, a unit of measurement known as the nautical mile emerges as particularly significant. The nautical mile distinguishes itself as the most accurate unit of distance, intricately intertwined with the Earth’s unique characteristics. In the realm of angles and degrees, it is universally recognized that a complete circle comprises 360 degrees. Correspondingly, this principle extends to the Earth’s measurements, with each degree divided into 60 minutes.
Interestingly, one of these minutes corresponds to precisely one nautical mile, emphasizing the Earth’s harmonious alignment with this distinctive unit of measurement. Consequently, the circumference of the Earth, especially at the equator, is quantified as 21,600 nautical miles. This numerical parallel highlights the profound relationship between the Earth’s intrinsic rhythms and the number of breaths taken by an individual within a day, totaling 21,600. This remarkable correspondence affirms that the planet adheres to a precise temporal order, ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants. Indeed, were it not for the Earth’s punctuality in its celestial dance, human existence would be gravely compromised, reinforcing the imperative need for attunement with these natural rhythms.
The Tradition of 108 in Indian Culture
According to Singh & Singh (2010), in the case of the 51 Pithas series, we discover a collection of shrines directly associated with the Great Goddess Sati, as they were established at locations where pieces of her divine form were believed to have fallen. Due to their profound connection with the Goddess, these sites hold a special status as sacred places or tirthas. Another series, comprising 108 shrines dedicated to the Goddess, is referenced in various texts. The number 108 carries significant importance in the Hindu religion and is derived from the multiplication of 12 (representing the months) and 9 (representing the zodiac). It is also interpreted as the product of 36 divinities, three mythical realms, 27 lunar mansions, and four cardinal directions.
In Hinduism, the number 108 carries profound historical and spiritual significance. According to Chakraborty (2021), the number 108 has been employed since immemorial, with priests in India guiding devout adherents to chant sacred mantras such as the Gayatri Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and Vishnu Mantra precisely 108 times. Intriguingly, the renowned scientist Nikola Tesla postulated that understanding the significance of numbers 3, 6, and 9 holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. These numbers, 3, 6, and 9, also hold profound importance in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism unveils the presence of two divine trinities: one composed of three masculine energies, including Lord Brahma (the Creator), Lord Vishnu (the Preserver), and Lord Shiva (the Destroyer); and another trinity consisting of three feminine energies, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the processes of creation, preservation, and destruction. The sacred texts of Hinduism recognize 33 deities, whose digital root is 6.
Additionally, within the Vedic tradition, nine planets, known as the Nabagrahas, are acknowledged, and three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are delineated. Even within mathematics, particularly in geometry, the digital roots of the sum of angles within geometrical shapes invariably culminate in the number nine. The digital root of 108 itself equates to 9. Furthermore, Indian classical music boasts a collection of 108 distinct talas, while Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are associated with 108 divine names, as elucidated in the Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana. There are 108 revered temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Shakti.
Similarly, numbers leading to 108 have played a significant part in temple construction in India and abroad. For example, Angkor Wat is a testament to the thorough integration of Hindu beliefs into its architecture, incorporating religious iconography, celestial calculations, and auspicious numerology. Cambodia’s Naga lineage in the central tower also exhibits an exacting application of Hindu numerology. The measurements in the temple tower from the finial to the sanctuary’s height and from the sanctuary floor to the sacred deposit beneath it both amount to 54 cubits, totaling 108 when combined (Hong, 2010). It is a testament to Cambodia’s remarkable level of sophistication achievable during the 11th and 12th centuries, based on Vastu Shastra.
Around 15,000 years ago, Adiyogi, often regarded as the first yogi, was posed with a profound inquiry about the potential for evolution. His response is both enlightening and intriguing. When questioned about the prospect of altering our physicality, Adiyogi proclaimed, “Your physical evolution is complete,” substantiating his claim with mathematical references. Delving deeper into this, he introduced us to the concept of energy junction points within the human system, known as chakras. Out of a total of 114 chakras, two exist outside the physical body, leaving us with 112 within. Among these, four are beyond our conscious influence; they will awaken as a natural consequence when the others are activated. The remaining 108 chakras are within our sphere of influence. Through dedicated practice, we endeavor to harmonize our physical being with the inherent rhythms and dimensions of creation, recognizing that our journey remains limited in scope without such alignment. The essence of this principle lies in understanding that the mastery of time is the linchpin for transcending mediocrity and, potentially, alleviating the burdens of a life filled with suffering. Only when one effectively navigates and synchronizes with the cadence of time does the prospect of living an exceptional life, which resonates with the very essence of human existence and the intricate design of the human intellect, become a tangible reality.
References:
Chakraborty, A. (2021). Numbers of Ancient Hinduism. Int. J. Sci. Res. in Multidisciplinary Studies Vol, 7(10).
Hong, T. (2010). Angkor Wat: Hinduism, Politics and Prestige. Editorial Team, pp. 6, 83.
Sadhguru, J.V. (2014). The Significance of 108: Why Is It So Important? Isha Archives.
Singh, R. P., & Singh, R. S. (2010). Sacred places of goddesses in India: spatiality and symbolism. Sacred Geography of Goddesses in South Asia: Essays in memory of David Kinsley. Planet Earth and Cultural Understanding Series, 5, 45–78.
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