That’s a Weird number…
I have been offering my weekly yoga students a year-long 108-bicycle challenge. 🚴♀️
The 108-bicycle challenge is one of two main strength exercises in my weekly classes (the other test is an upper body 20 count of push-ups or plank holds). Strength and ease are the essential components of a Hatha Yoga practice.
Yes, it's difficult to get through the entire 108 bicycle count. Doing anything 108 times is a difficult task. That's part of why we do it!
I ALWAYS offer several options with this challenge, and one option is to relax on your back and count along with me! I don't want anyone to hurt or overextend themselves. But, it is essential to challenge yourself in some way every day. I used to count out 100 bicycles, and then once someone suggested I make it 108–I realized that was the right number of repetitions!
People will say to me: "That's a weird number. Why do we do 108 repetitions and not 100, 110, or 101?"
Thomas Ashley-Farrand, author of Shakti Mantras, states that we use 108 repetitions in chanting because the number is tied to the number of energy channels (nadis) surrounding the spiritual heart in the subtle body. When we invite the count of 108 into our practices, we acknowledge this sacred connection. The number 108 holds deep spiritual significance in many Eastern spiritual traditions. But the number can also be found in Western traditions.
Ten interesting things about the number 108:
The Greek Odyssey: Penelope has 108 suitors fighting for her hand (or the right to be king in Odysseus' absence).
Fibonacci: According to Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, the number 108 represents the wholeness of existence and is found within the Fibonacci sequence.
Unity and Wholeness: 108 represents the completeness of existence–the oneness of everything according to many spiritual traditions.
Cosmic Connections: Some believe that 108 reflects aspects of the cosmos, like the 108 directions (cardinal directions, sub-directions, etc.) and the distance between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
Japa Mala: Malas, prayer beads used in Hinduism and Buddhism for mantra repetition, traditionally have 108 beads.
A Catholic Rosary can have between 59 to 53 beads for prayer– about half of 108.
Many deities in Hinduism have 108 names, and chanting all 108 names bestows divine grace on the devotee.
1 + 0 + 8 = 9: In numerology, 9 signifies completion or attainment of goals.
Tai Chi long forms are counted as 108 postures or movements.
It is said in yoga, that after years of dedicated pranayama practice, one can take as few as 108 breaths a day and achieve enlightenment. (I share this for fun, don't try it at home!)
How 108 shows up in science:
Astronomy: The distance between Earth and the Sun (one Astronomical Unit or AU) is about 108 times the diameter of the Sun. This isn't a perfect coincidence, but it's close enough that it allows the Sun and Moon to appear roughly the same size in the sky, which is necessary for total solar eclipses.
Human Biology: While it varies slightly from person to person, 108 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the critical internal temperature where vital organs start to fail.
Elements: Hassium, a synthetic element, has an atomic number of 108. This means it has 108 protons in its nucleus.
Whether you are chanting a mantra for 108 repetitions, practicing 108 sun salutations, or joining me for the 108 bicycle challenge, the significance of 108 permeates various aspects of all our practices.
If 108 feels like too many repetitions in your practice, you can also divide the repetitions into 9, 27, or 54. The important thing is your dedication to the practice, not the specific number of repetitions.
While I do believe it is important to challenge yourself in some way each day, I also encourage you to be patient and loving with yourself in these practices.
Have you been joining me for this 108 challenge? How is it going for you? Do you get to 108? What challenges have come up for you in this process?
Reach out and let me know!