The Krishna Key

by Ashwin Sanghi

‘The rosary represents the ecliptic—the path of the sun and moon across the sky. Yogis divide the ecliptic into twenty-seven equal sections called nakshatras, and each of these into four equal padas—or steps—marking the 108 steps that the sun and moon take through the skies,’ explained Mataji. ‘But do you know what’s even more remarkable about the number 108?’ Taarak waited expectantly, and was rewarded. ‘What’s truly amazing is the fact that the distance between the earth and the sun is exactly 108 times the sun’s diameter. More incredible is the fact that the distance between the earth and the moon is 108 times the moon’s diameter. Finally, do you know that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the earth’s diameter? The ancient yogis knew this! That’s why 108 is such a sacred number.’ ‘So is 108 a representation of God?’ asked Taarak. ‘Yes. Can you add up the individual digits of 108 and tell me what you get?’ ‘That’s easy. The answer is 9.’ ‘Nine is a very special number, Taarak. The number 9 represents wholeness. What’s particularly magical is that if you multiply 9 by anything, the answer is always 9 when you add the digits together. Try it! What’s 2 × 9?’ ‘Eighteen,’ answered Taarak confidently. ‘Now add the digits of 18 together and tell me what do you get?’ ‘Nine!’ exclaimed Taarak. ‘Very good. Let’s try another one. Slightly more difficult. What’s 15 × 9?’ ‘A hundred and thirty-five,’ answered Taarak, after doing the multiplication in his head. ‘And 135 is made up ...