The significance of the number 108 in Hinduism is deeply rooted in various aspects of the religion, and the example with "Rama Rama" is a fascinating illustration. In Hindu tradition, the number 108 holds symbolic importance and appears in various contexts, reflecting cosmic and spiritual significance.
Numerology and Rama Rama: The breakdown of "Rama
Rama" into the Sanskrit alphabet letters and their numerical values
resulting in 108 is a form of numerology. Many Hindus say, Rama Rama while
greeting or saying goodbye or during happy or sad incidents. ‘Ra’ is the 27the
letter in the Sanskrit alphabet; ‘Aa’ the second and ‘Ma’ the 25th. Thus, Rama
Rama = Ra+Aa+Ma+Ra+Aa+Ma = 27+2+25+27+2+25 = 108, a sacred number. In Hinduism,
certain numbers are considered sacred and carry spiritual meaning. The number
108 is believed to represent the ultimate reality or the entirety of existence.
Japa and Mala Beads: The number 108 is often associated with
the practice of Japa, which involves the repetition of a mantra or divine name.
Many Hindus use a string of 108 beads (called a mala) to count repetitions
during meditation or prayer. Each bead signifies a mantra or prayer, and
completing 108 repetitions is considered spiritually significant.
Cosmic Significance: The number 108 is seen as a
representation of the cosmic order. In various fields like astronomy,
astrology, and geometry, this number appears with significance. For instance,
the distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the Sun's diameter.
Additionally, there are said to be 108 energy lines converging to form the
heart chakra in the human body.
Ramayana and Cultural Influence: The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic narrating the life and adventures of Lord Rama, is considered one of the cornerstones of Hindu culture. The characters, events, and teachings from the Ramayana have deeply influenced the consciousness of Hindus. Using "Rama Rama" to arrive at the sacred number 108 is a testament to the enduring impact of this epic on the spiritual and cultural fabric of Hinduism.
In summary, the association of "Rama Rama" with the sacred number 108 reflects the rich symbolism and cultural depth found in Hindu traditions. Whether or not there is a historical basis for such numerological arguments, they serve as powerful reminders of the spiritual and philosophical aspects embedded in the Hindu way of life.