Korean Buddhism- 108 bows

[soryang]

108 Bows (108 배 ) : Korean Buddhism

http://jonnyontheroad.blogspot.com/2010/09/108-bows-108-korean-buddhism.html

It's a meditative practice that encourages reflection and concentration. Though three bows is common, the more dedicated followers often practice 108 bows [백팔배], a long tradition whose number is particularly significant for the following:

There are 6 bodily pathways that lead to suffering: eyes, ears, skin, nose, tongue, mind.
There are 6 objects that lead to suffering: something you see, hear, feel, smell, taste, think about.
There are 3 time periods in which you suffer: the past, the present, and the future.

[6x6x3 = 108]

A friendly discussion among some friends became somewhat bitter because of unpleasant situations that compelled them to make difficult choices in the past. The discussion brought out the deep resentments from personal experiences still harbored. It caused me to try to recall some of these thoughtful prescriptions and revisit all 108.

I know there are different versions of the 108 bows and the associated recitals.

27. I bow to rid myself of hatred of others.
28. I bow to rid myself of anger against others.
...
46. I bow to learn to be nice to people, even if I have negative feelings toward them.
...
53. I bow to avoid looking back at the past, and to not worry about the future.