Chinese Astrology and Tao philosophy holds that there are 108 SacredStars . (This legend is the basis of the Suikoden series of Video Games : each of the 108 playable characters represents a star in Chinese astrology).
108 Stars is also the name of a group of space pirates who use Tao magic in the Anime '' Outlaw Star ''.
Several different Tai Chi long forms consist of 108 moves.
It is a sacred number in Hinduism used and referred to in a variety of manners.
In Japan, at the end of the year, a bell is chimed 108 times to finish the old year and welcome the new one. Each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations a person must overcome to achieve Nirvana .
Hindu deities have 108 names. Recital of these names, often accompanied by counting of 108-beaded Mala , is considered sacred and often done during religious ceremonies. The recital is called namajapa.
It is described in the Srimad Bhagavatam that Krishna dances with 108 'Gopis' (cow-herd girls) in His Vrindavan pastimes, and later marries 16,108 wives in His city of Dwarka . Hare Krishna devotees thus hold 108 as a number of great significance.
--- A symbol of Siva among the Saivite s, for SivaNataraja dances his cosmic dance in 108 poses.
Apart from Hinduism, it is also held sacred or otherwise significant by various Buddhist , Sikh , and Jain traditions.
