The Sacred Significance of 108

Why Practice 108 Sun Salutations at the Turn of the Seasons

Numbers carry meaning, and in yoga, few numbers are as revered as 108. This number shows up in ancient texts, spiritual practices, and even the natural world. Practicing 108 Sun Salutations is a powerful ritual often done to mark transitions, especially during the change of seasons at the equinoxes and solstices.

Why 108 Is Sacred

The number 108 is not only considered sacred across many spiritual traditions, but also has connections to nature, science and mathematics.

• Cosmic Connection: The distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the Sun’s diameter. Similarly, the distance between the Earth and the Moon is about 108 times the Moon’s diameter.

• Sacred Texts: Hinduism has 108 Upanishads (philosophical texts), and many mantras are traditionally repeated 108 times.

• Symbol of Wholeness: 1 represents unity, 0 represents completeness, and 8 represents infinity. Together, they symbolize the wholeness of existence.

• Mala Beads: A traditional mala (prayer bead necklace) has 108 beads, used to count mantras, breaths or affirmations. Chanting a mantra 108 times is believed to bring about spiritual realization and alignment with universal energy.

• Ayurveda and Yogic Philosophy: In Ayurveda, there is said to be 108 sacred points (marmas) in the human body where energy lines converge. In yoga, there are 108 major nadis (energy channels) that converge at the heart chakra.

• Astrology: There are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets. 12 x 9 = 108.

• Buddhism: Buddhist teachings indicate 108 earthly desires or defilements to overcome.

• Sacred Geometry: The interior angles of a perfect pentagon measure 108 degrees, linking the number to universal patterns.

• Eastern Temples: Many temples and sacred sites are built with 108 steps leading up, symbolizing the journey to enlightenment.

This number reminds us that we are connected to something larger than ourselves, a rhythm that flows through our bodies, nature and the universe.

Why 108 Sun Salutations?

Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, are a moving meditation. They are a cycle of poses that represents the rising and setting of the sun. When repeated 108 times, this can symbolize moving through the cycles of our lives, and the cycles of life, death and rebirth. They become a practice of endurance, devotion and letting go. The repetition challenges the body, focuses the mind, and opens space for reflection and renewal.

Many people practice 108 Sun Salutations to:

• Honor change and embrace new beginnings.

• Release old energy and set new intentions.

• Create inner balance as the outer world shifts.

Traditionally, Sun Salutations consist of 12 postures, though many variations exist. One way to use Sun Salutations to connect to the sacred energy of 108 is to practice 9 rounds of the traditional 12 postures. The individual postures mirror life's journey and symbolize the cycles bringing us to wholeness.

1 and 2) Mountain Pose (Tadasana) to Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana) represent beginnings and grounding.

3 and 4) Forward Fold (Uttanasana) to Half Forward Fold (Ardha Uttanasana) symbolize surrender and letting go.

5, 6 and 7) Lunge (Anjaneyasana), Plank (Phalakasana) and Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana) display challenge and strength.

8) Upward Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) or Cobra (Bhujangasana) show opening and renewal.

9) Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) is about reflection and integration.

10, 11 and 12) Lunge, Forward Fold and Half Forward Fold are repeated.

The Power of Seasonal Transitions

The solstices and equinoxes are natural thresholds in the year, moments when the relationship between light and dark shifts. These transitions are a reminder that light and dark exist in all of us. Exploring our shadow side is not to be avoided, but can nurture our healing processes and help us let go of what no longer serves us. 

• Spring Equinox: Day and night are equal, symbolizing balance and rebirth.

• Summer Solstice: The longest day of the year, a celebration of light and vitality.

• Fall Equinox: Another point of balance, inviting reflection, gratitude and letting go.

• Winter Solstice: The shortest day, a reminder of stillness, rest and returning to the light.

Practicing 108 Sun Salutations during these times helps us align with the cycles of nature. It’s a way of syncing our inner rhythms with the turning of the Earth. 

Practice with Me

I invite you to let my 108 Sun Salutation practice videos guide you as we transition the seasons.  I've compiled a collection of four free videos, including:

• 108 Full Sun Salutation A (12 full Sun Salutations are repeated for 9 rounds) 

• A modified option alternating full Sun Salutation A with an abbreviated version

• Sun Salutations using a chair as a prop

• Sun Salutations seated

Regardless of where you are in your yoga practice, consider your intention before jumping into this intense practice. While this is a moving meditation, it is a deeply physical practice that will sync your breath to your body, and get energy moving in unexpected ways. Even if you're an experienced practitioner of yoga asana, I challenge you to practice the seated option to move your awareness away from the body and toward the breath and energy.

Whether you complete all 108 or any number of rounds, the practice is less about the number and more about the intention. By uniting breath, body and spirit through repetition, you mark the changing seasons not just as dates on a calendar, but as opportunities for renewal, balance and connection to all that is.