108 Earthly Desires: Unlocking the Mystery of Bonnō
As the final seconds of the year tick away, the crisp winter air of Japan is filled not with fireworks or shouting, but with the deep, resonating boom of temple bells. This is Joya no Kane, a ritual that takes place at Buddhist temples across the nation. The bells are rung exactly 108 times, a number that holds profound spiritual significance in Japanese culture. It represents the “Hyaku-hachi no Bonnō,” or the 108 Earthly Desires, which are believed to plague the human spirit and bind us to the cycle of suffering.
For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s spiritual landscape, comprehending the concept of these 108 desires offers a fascinating glimpse into the Buddhist mindset that underpins much of the country’s etiquette, architecture, and seasonal traditions.
Origins of the 108
To the uninitiated, the number 108 might seem arbitrary, but in Buddhist philosophy, it is a calculated sum of the human condition. The concept of Bonnō (Kleshas in Sanskrit) refers to mental states that cloud the mind and manifest in unwholesome actions. But why specifically 108?
The calculation is a mathematical mapping of human sensation and perception:
- The Six Senses: Buddhism acknowledges six senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch, and Consciousness (the Mind).
- The Three Sensations: For each sense, one can experience three reactions: Pleasant, Unpleasant, or Neutral. (6 senses x 3 sensations = 18).
- The Two States: Each of these 18 sensations can be either pure (detached) or impure (attached/worldly). (18 x 2 states = 36).
- The Three Times: Finally, these 36 states can exist in the Past, Present, or Future. (36 x 3 timelines = 108).
Thus, the 108 desires represent every possible permutation of how humans interact with the world, get distracted by it, and ultimately suffer because of it.
Legend and Metaphor
While the mathematical derivation appeals to scholars, the legends surrounding Bonnō speak to the heart. In Japanese folklore and religious imagery, these desires are often personified as demons or metaphorical “dust” that accumulates on the soul (or mirror of the mind).
The three primary roots of all 108 desires are often summarized as the “Three Poisons”: Greed (craving), Anger (hatred), and Ignorance (delusion). Legend dictates that these poisons prevent enlightenment. The ringing of the bell is not merely a signal of time; it is a spiritual exfoliation. Each strike of the heavy bronze bell is intended to drive out one of the 108 desires, cleansing the listener and allowing them to enter the New Year with a pure heart ( mushin or “no mind”).
Modern Culture: Joya no Kane
Today, the most visible manifestation of this concept is the New Year’s Eve ceremony known as Joya no Kane. Unlike the boisterous countdown parties in the West, this event is solemn yet communal.
At large temples, monks begin ringing the bell before midnight. They strike it 107 times while the old year remains, and the final, 108th strike occurs exactly as the New Year begins. This ensures that the current year’s troubles are left behind and the New Year begins on a clean slate.
The atmosphere is magical. The vibration of the bell is often felt in the chest as much as it is heard. At smaller local temples, visitors are often invited to line up and strike the bell themselves, physically participating in the shedding of their own anxieties and cravings. It is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed intent.
Traveler’s Tips
If you find yourself in Japan during the winter holidays, participating in Joya no Kane is an unmissable experience. Here is how to navigate it:
- Where to Go: For a grand spectacle, head to Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. Their bell weighs 70 tons and requires 17 monks working in unison to ring it—an acrobatic and spiritual feat. For a more participatory experience, look for smaller neighborhood temples in Tokyo or rural areas.
- Timing: Arrive early. Famous temples draw massive crowds by 10:00 PM. If you want to ring the bell yourself at a smaller temple, tickets (often free) are sometimes distributed earlier in the evening.
- Etiquette: Silence or hushed tones are expected during the ceremony. When striking the bell, do so with respect; bow before and after the act.
- Attire: Japanese winters are cold, and you will be standing outside for hours. Wear thermal layers, scarves, and heat packs (kairo).
Sources & Further Reading
To delve deeper into the introduction of these concepts to Japan, one looks to the classical histories. While the Kojiki (712 AD) details the indigenous Shinto creation myths, it is the Nihon Shoki (720 AD) that chronicles the official introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Baekje (Korea) in the mid-6th century. This text marks the moment when complex metaphysical concepts like the Bonnō began to merge with Japanese culture.
For a modern understanding of Zen and the mind, works by D.T. Suzuki provide excellent English-language commentary on how shedding these desires leads to enlightenment.