numeric
108; one hundred and eight
The cardinal number 108.
このお寺には百八つの煩悩を表す鐘がある。
This temple has a bell that represents the 108 worldly desires.
noun
the 108 kleshas; the 108 worldly desires
In Buddhism, the number of defilements or passions that bind humans to suffering. Often referenced in the New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony (除夜の鐘).
See also:
除夜の鐘は百八回撞かれる。
The temple bell is rung 108 times on New Year's Eve.
noun
sum of 12 months, 24 solar terms, and 72 microseasons
Rare, traditional calendrical expression: 12 + 24 + 72 = 108. Used in classical or poetic contexts to evoke the full cycle of a year.
七十二候と節気、月を合わせると百八になる。
Adding the 72 microseasons, the 24 solar terms, and the 12 months gives 108.
煩悩 refers to the kleshas themselves, while 百八 specifically denotes the number 108 as a symbol of those defilements.
The number 108 is a compound of 百 (hundred) and 八 (eight). Its cultural significance in Buddhism and traditional calendars is well-established, but the exact historical derivation of the number's symbolic use is uncertain.