Controlling ones mind, repetition of mantras (sacred words) and meditation requires focus. To help focus our minds, the ancient Hindu Rishis found that external aids can be very useful, the “japa mala” being one such example. A traditional Hindu japa mala always contains 108 beads

So how does the mala help? There are two main advantages of the mala. Firstly the use of the mala means that one does not have to keep an eye on the time. It is ideal for everyone to spend some time each day meditating and chanting a mantra. How long one does this is up to the individual, and through practice, he/she will be able to extend the length of time. Without the mala and the 108 beads, we would have a tendency to look at the time or hourglass. This would be a constant distraction and could spoil the piety of the exercise. Of course many people find that chanting with their eyes closed enables greater concentration, and avoids distractions.

The second advantage with the use of a mala is that we do not have to keep count of mantras. The solution by our rishi’s was to make the 108th bead larger than the others, or by placing a string between the first and last bead. This raises the question as to why there are 108 beads. There are many variations, and one of the most important is that the number 9 is considered divine. Hence 1+0+8 = 9.

Our forefathers also stated that one stands for God, zero symbolises God un-manifest, and eight represents creation through eight natures (namely earth, water, speed, space, air, ego, mind and wisdom). Our shastras also state that there are 12 birth signs and 9 solar planets. Thus 12 x 9 = 108, which represents the sum total of the fate of the world. Our astronomy sages charted 27 constellations with each going through 4 phases in a year. Hence 27 x 4 = 108, this represents the figure for the cosmos.

Other interesting facts about the number 108:

* Distance between earth and sun = 108 times sun-diameter,

* Distance between earth and moon = 108 times moon-diameter, and most remarkably,

* Diameter of the sun = 108 times the earth diameter.

Certain numbers and ratios seem to repeat themselves in the world’s geometry. They form patterns in the cosmos. 108 is one such number. Because the aim of meditation is to achieve oneness with the cosmos, 108 was considered a particularly auspicious number to chant. It should be noted however that the number of times a person chants is of secondary importance compared with the devotion and purity of mind that underlies the practice of chanting.

Repetitive chanting is a powerful spiritual tool. It has been proven scientifically to have a soothing effect on the mind. Any repetitive act gives the mind a relief from our ever changing thought pattern, and this acts as a stabiliser of the mind, helping us to focus on an unchanging reality that underlies this ever changing world. This unchanging reality is God.

There are four kinds of chanting (or japa). The first is Vaikhari which is chanting a mantra loudly and clearly. The second is Upanshu, in which the individual tones down to just a mumble. The third is Pashayati where the chant is done mentally, but the lips may move but no sound is made. The final kind is Para, this is when the chant is repeated mentally without any physical manifestation, but both the body and mind participate. Even the breathing is saturated with the mantra.

After a period the mood and mind become stable and focussed. One is then able to get in contact with the inner self beyond the physical and mental distractions. It is beyond this where the individual can try and get in contact with the aatma (soul), the consciousness, and ultimately the divine.