The Story Starts with Zero...
The absolute reality is unmanifested and is beyond numbers. The symbol which comes closest to representing the unmanifested reality is zero. Zero was discovered by an Indian spiritual teacher, astronomer and mathematician Brahmagupta. Even before him, many great masters openly spoke about the significance of shoonyam, which means zero.
When Nothing Created the Illusion of Everything
The unmanifested reality is non-dual, hence to create the illusion of duality at least two entities are needed. Just like to create even the most complex algorithms in computer programming, only two binary digits of zero and one are needed, zero and one can combine in different permutations and combinations to create the illusion of all other numbers.
The Symbolism of 21
Ancient masters used numbers as representations of deeper spiritual aspects.
The number one symbolizes the Sun, which is associated with intellect, the logical mind, the ability to see things as they are, warmth in the body and all masculine expressions of energy.
The number two symbolizes the Moon, which is associated with emotions, the ability to feel, coolness in the body and all feminine expressions of energy.
Together, two and one - or twenty one - represent the balance of the emotions and the logical mind, the balance of the EQ and IQ, of the feminine and masculine.
One reason why the Sun is represented by the number one, is that it was acknowledged that life is not possible on Earth without the Sun. The other celestial body which has a major impact on the Earth and life on Earth is the Moon - this is represented by the number two. The impact of the Moon on emotions is a widely accepted observation. In fact, the word lunatic is derived from lunar and the observation that full moon nights affect people with certain mental conditions.
Repetitions of Cycles, and Mandalas
Many mantras or sound frequencies are recommended to be chanted in sets of 21, 48, 108 and so on. Repeating mantras or practices in specific number sets sends a subtle message to the subconscious mind, which the conscious mind does not necessarily need to comprehend.
To replace existing conditioning with a positive pattern, you need to repeat the positive pattern for a certain period of time so that the mind is reconditioned and it becomes your nature.
The Significance of Certain Numbers
Since ancient times, great spiritual masters have observed that combinations of certain numbers hold significant power. These numbers came to them intuitively, and they shared them so that their students and the public could benefit from repeating the same patterns which they found helpful.
Most of these numbers have connections with the rhythmic cycles of nature - such as the cycles of the moon, the sun, the seasons, or events in our own lives. For example, there is a significance of spending at least 12 years in the presence of a guru so that you can absorb their wisdom and transcend the limited egoic self to become the limitless true self. Just as there are cycles of the moon and sun, there are cycles in our own bodies and minds where patterns repeat. If we look at our own lives, we will see that something changes in us every 12 years.
While in deep meditative states, great masters also noticed that vital life energy flows through 112 energy points in our system. Of these, we can only influence 108 through our practices. Tantra practices of body scanning focus on these 108 points. Because of the significance of 108, all chanting malas are designed for 108 chants.
The Significance of 21
The significance of 21 is that it is the minimum number of repetitions required to create a new pattern or habit. Although the combination of 2 and 1 is also present in the number 12, this is not enough repetitions to create a positive change.
21 is also a combination of 2 and 1, which represents the balance between the masculine and feminine aspects in our system.
For stronger impact, 48 repetitions is recommended. This is known as a mandala (which means cycle). 4 plus 8 is 12 - the combination of 1 and 2 again. Mandalas are repetitive cycles that create a pattern in the mind and help in new habit formation.
Creating New Positive Patterns Of The Mind
Throughout life, most people are either consciously or, more often, unconsciously following certain patterns and habits, mostly driven by desires or fears. Most of the time, they are unaware of these habits, unless somebody else points them out or they become spiritually aware enough to recognise these patterns. The problem with continuing existing cyclical patterns is that you keep moving round and round in circles without reaching anywhere.
When you are willing to transcend the mind and break those patterns, then initially you have to replace those patterns with a new cycle of positive patterns. Ultimately, you transcend that as well. So, 21 was recognised by the masters as the bare minimum number of repetitions needed. By the time you reach 21, you can start feeling some subtle effects.
Try It For Yourself, Now
You can try it now by closing your eyes and completing 21 conscious cycles of full inhalation and exhalation, filling your lungs with oxygen on the inhale and exhaling fully. Do this without leaving any gaps between the inhales and exhales so that your breath forms a continuous cycle. Once 21 cycles are completed, take one more inhalation and hold your breath as long as it is comfortable.
Now notice how you feel. Every mind will experience something a little different, but you will notice some change in your mood and mental patterns, and in most cases, you will feel better.
World Meditation Day: December 21
World Meditation Day on 21/12 coincides with the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Celebrated across various cultures, it holds deep significance in the natural cycles of life. This day is an excellent starting point for new practices, as it symbolizes the inward journey, reflection, and the rebirth of light as days begin to grow longer.
Moreover, December 21 falls precisely six months after International Yoga Day (June 21), further enhancing its spiritual balance and symbolism.
With the natural slowdown of life's rhythm, it's easy to feel weighed down. However, this is also an opportunity to recharge. Now is the ideal time to embrace spiritual practices that awaken your inner vibrancy, preparing you for the natural energetic shift ahead.
We invite you to join the practices we are offering to help rejuvenate your system and align with nature's rhythms. Connect with us through the link below to begin your transformative journey.
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