This temple has a bell that represents the 108 worldly desires.
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: 煩悩
The temple bell is rung 108 times on New Year's Eve.
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.
Adding the 72 microseasons, the 24 solar terms, and the 12 months gives 108.
Arabic numeral spelling, common in lists, dates, and technical contexts.
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.