Why Do We Chant 108 Times? What Seneca Teaches Us About Focus and the Mind

Learn what I discovered about the power of chanting or deep breathing 108 times. Uncover the significance of this ancient practice, how it can awaken your Ajna chakra, and shift your vibration for profound clarity and focus.

men in traditional clothing and face paint during ceremony: Learn what I discovered about the power of chanting or deep breathing 108 times. Uncover the significance of this ancient practice, how it can awaken your Ajna chakra, and shift your vibration for profound clarity and focus.

For the first time, after taking 108 deep breaths, I felt weightless and was unable to move. After looking at the chanting mala, I understood why it has 108 beads and what it does when it is finished. Why do we chant 108 times, and what is the reason behind it? All we know is that the number 108 = 9 is a very powerful and energetic number in numerology. It is the end of the circle and starting a new life, like again, starting from number one and finishing at number nine. The Ajna chakra, also known as the Third Eye chakra, is located in between our two eyebrows. When it wakes up, it lands our brain in a very different magical vibration that brings powerful consciousness.

Why is the number 108 significant in chanting or breathing practices?

The number 108 holds deep energetic and spiritual significance. In numerology, the number 9 (1+0+8=9) is considered very powerful, representing completion and new beginnings. Specifically, in this practice, exceeding regular breath counts helps unlock and awaken the Ajna chakra, also known as the Third Eye chakra, located between your eyebrows. This awakening is believed to lead your brain into a unique "magical vibration" that fosters powerful consciousness and clarity.

Ok, let's understand what I mean by understanding 108 chanting or breathing. It is simply one thing we do when we chant; we all only do one thing. Breathing and breathing, inhaling and exhaling in all the process. When we do it and exceed the regular counts (normal breathing patterns) that we do daily, we unlock the Ajna chakra and wake it up. Let me expose the secret that has had a profound impact on my life.

When I did it for the first time, I looked at the watch; it took me 27 minutes. Thus, ultimately, it shifted me into a different vibration—relaxed, more conscious, and focused. It provides you the ability to identify what is wrong and right for you while you make any decision. Also, it clears your memory's spam folder and cleans up the delete folder. In short, it makes you work on the main thing, distraction-free and focused. In short, you are connected to the universe and open to accepting guidance.

How long does it typically take to complete 108 deep breaths or chants, and what can I expect?

The time taken can vary, but based on personal experience, 108 deep breaths can take around 27 minutes when performed with focused attention. As you exceed your normal breathing patterns, you're working to activate the Ajna chakra. After completion, you can expect a shift into a different, more relaxed, conscious, and focused vibrational state. This can enhance your ability to make decisions, clear mental clutter, and improve concentration, leading to a profound sense of inner cleansing.

I realised why it happens when I finished the 108 deep-breathing exercises with chanting "OM" while exhaling. The word "OM"—NASA detected the voice in space. However, Indian monks already knew it for many years. When you say OM while exhaling, it vibrates your lips and then your mouth until you finish the one breath. I continued focusing on my breathing patterns until I finished 108 times, leaving me completely cleansed. What I found myself with was a different mindset, with different thoughts, tools, and a set of new decisions. I entered a new vibrational zone as a result of the transitional vibration that OM was generating.

If you want to make a change in life, you have to change your vibration. The surroundings where you live do matter. If the vibrations around you don't make your life more meaningful, practice shifting into a different vibration by reciting 108 times while mentally reminding your brain of your goal.

What is the role of chanting "OM" during this 108-count practice, and how does it contribute to the shift in vibration?

Chanting "OM" while exhaling plays a crucial role in generating a powerful transitional vibration. As the word "OM" is recited, it vibrates from your lips through your mouth, creating a resonating effect within your body. This sustained vibration, combined with your focus on breathing patterns for 108 counts, helps you enter a new vibrational zone. This vibrational shift is key to gaining a different mindset, new thoughts, and enhanced clarity for decision-making, ultimately helping you align with your goals and make positive changes in your life.

Don't believe me. Just try this practice, and you will see profound changes in your life within the first week. Written by Darius Foroux, the book "Focus on What Matters" is a collection of 70 letters/essays he wrote about different aspects of life, from happiness, wealth, and health to relationships and much more.
These letters are inspired by the original works of the Stoic philosopher Seneca.
He influenced Latin literature, was wealthy in ancient Rome, and served as a reminder to keep our chaotic lives focused on the important things.
The goal of the original "Letters From A Stoic" by Seneca was to share Stoic ideas with his friend, Lucilius, who had hedonistic tendencies and lived a busy life. This chaotic world is the perfect time to follow his philosophy and shape your brain, changing the vibrations within you and around you and your family members. His philosophy was balm for the wounds of life. “We should take a day and confine ourselves to a single thought that will sustain us throughout the day. This is how the memory is strengthened—by dwelling on fewer things, more deeply.” from his letter 2. It simply says that one same thought a day and its repetition could help us achieve the goal.

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Lukesh Umak
Lukesh writes about his favorite topics, such as essay, poems, health, fitness, nutrition, etc. He also invites guests on his podcast show.

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