百ひゃく八はち煩ぼん悩のう

noun

the 108 kleshas; the 108 afflictions

Buddhist term for the 108 mental defilements or worldly desires that bind beings to suffering. Often referenced in the context of New Year's Eve bell-ringing (除夜の鐘), where the bell is struck 108 times to dispel each affliction.

See also: 煩悩

• 除じょ夜やの鐘かねは百ひゃく八はち煩ぼん悩のうを払はらうために百ひゃく八はち回かい撞つかれる。

  The New Year's Eve bell is rung 108 times to dispel the 108 afflictions.