Extinguishing the 108 Desires: A Journey into Japanese Buddhism

In the hustle of modern travel, we often seek more: more sights, more flavors, and more experiences. Yet, at the heart of Japanese spiritual culture lies a profound counter-concept: the Extinction of Desires, or the clearing away of Bonno (kleshas). This Buddhist tenet suggests that true peace comes not from accumulation, but from subtraction. For the culturally curious traveler, understanding this concept offers a lens into the serene atmosphere of Zen gardens, the solemnity of temple rituals, and the stoic beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Origins of the Concept

The concept of extinguishing desires is rooted in the very foundation of Buddhism, which arrived in Japan via Korea and China around the 6th century. In Japanese Buddhism, Bonno refers to the earthly desires, delusions, and negative passions that torment the mind and body. These are the obstacles that prevent one from reaching Satori (enlightenment) or Nirvana.

According to doctrine, suffering (Dukkha) arises from craving. Therefore, the path to liberation involves extinguishing these flames of greed, anger, and ignorance. While early Theravada Buddhism emphasized monastic withdrawal to achieve this, the Mahayana Buddhism prevalent in Japan focuses on the bodhisattva path—seeking enlightenment not just for oneself, but to help others amidst the chaos of the world. This makes the practice of “extinguishing desires” accessible even to laypeople and travelers through mindfulness and ritual.

The Legend of the 108

Travelers in Japan will frequently encounter the number 108. It is not a random figure; it is the legendary sum of all human Bonno. But where does this number come from? There is a fascinating mystical arithmetic deeply embedded in Buddhist lore that explains the calculation of human suffering.

The legend breaks down the human experience as follows:

• The Six Senses: Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness.
• The Three Sensations: For each sense, one can feel pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral (6 x 3 = 18).
• The Two States: Each of these sensations can be attached to pleasure or detached from it (18 x 2 = 36).
• The Three Timelines: These feelings exist in the past, present, and future (36 x 3 = 108).

Thus, the 108 desires represent every possible permutation of how humans interact with the world and create their own suffering. This numerical legend is physically represented in the Juzu (prayer beads) carried by monks, which typically consist of 108 beads, each counted to symbolically extinguish one desire at a time.

Modern Culture: Joya no Kane

The most spectacular cultural manifestation of this concept occurs on New Year’s Eve, known as Omisoka. While the West counts down to midnight with fireworks and champagne, Japan turns to the temples for Joya no Kane.

At the stroke of midnight, large Buddhist bells across the archipelago begin to ring. They are struck exactly 108 times. The first 107 strikes take place just before midnight to clear the desires of the passing year, and the final, 108th strike occurs exactly as the New Year begins, ensuring a fresh, unburdened start. The deep, resonating boom of the bell is believed to shatter the delusions of the mind, leaving the listener with a sense of pure clarity.

Beyond New Year’s, the influence of extinguishing desires is seen in the Japanese minimalist movement. The stripping away of clutter in the home is a modern reflection of the ancient practice of stripping away clutter in the mind.

Traveler’s Tips

If you wish to experience the serenity associated with the extinction of desires, here is how to incorporate it into your itinerary:

• Visit a Zendo: Participate in Zazen (seated meditation) at a temple. Great locations include Eiheiji in Fukui or the sub-temples of Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. The practice involves sitting in silence and observing thoughts without attachment, a literal practice of letting desires fade.
• Experience Joya no Kane: If you are in Japan on December 31st, visit a local temple. Famous spots like Chion-in in Kyoto (where 17 monks are required to ring the massive bell) are crowded but atmospheric. For a more participatory experience, smaller neighborhood temples often allow visitors to ring the bell themselves.
• Temple Stays (Shukubo): Stay at Mt. Koya (Koyasan). Living simply, eating Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), and attending morning prayers is a practical immersion into a life with fewer cravings.

Sources & Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of Japanese religious history and the introduction of these concepts, consider exploring the following texts:

• The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): While primarily a Shinto and historical text, it records the official introduction of Buddhism to the Japanese imperial court in 552 AD, marking the beginning of the struggle between native desires and foreign discipline.
• The Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo): The most recited text in Japanese Buddhism, specifically focusing on the concept of “emptiness” (Ku) which is essential to extinguishing attachment.
• Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness) by Yoshida Kenko: A classic collection of medieval essays that reflects on the impermanence of life and the folly of worldly attachment, perfect for the reflective traveler.