Symbolism in Numbers – 8

Eight – Every number has a certain power which is expressed both by its symbol to denote its representation and by its connection to universal principles. Numbers have relationships with all things in nature, thus making them supremely powerful symbolic expressions.

Eight represents eternity and infinity. In fact in mathematics the symbol for infinity is the number 8 laid down. Eight is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word meaning to generate wealth. So is in Hindu culture as Goddess Lakshmi has eight forms.

In Numerology the symbolism backing number Eight deals largely with business, success, and wealth. This is due to the fact that eight represents continuation, repetition, and cycles. Such elements are seen in arenas where success is obtained simply because of dogged determination and repetition. Also, matters of business and wealth largely depend on cycles to fulfill their manifestation. It’s like the snowball analogy: As it continues to roll, in gets bigger and bigger with each revolution. Eight represents that kind of momentum.

1. ASTABANDHA. A kind of plaster used for fixing idols in temples. The following eight things are mixed and ground consecutively for forty-one days and made ready to be put in the cavity around the idol when it is fixed there finally, (1) conch-powder (2) powdered myrobalam (3) resin (4) Kolipparal (a kind of rock) (5) river sand (6) powder of emblic myrobalam (7) lac and (8) cotton.
2. ASTABHARYA – The eight wives of Sri Krishna. (1) Rukmini (2) Jambavati (3) Satyabhama (4)kalindi (5) Mitravinda (6) Satya (7) Bhadra and (8) Laksana.
3. ASTABUDDHIGUNA – Eight qualities of the intellect. Susrusa, Sravana, Grahana, Dharana, Uha, Apoha, Arthavijnana, and Tattvajnana.
4. ASTACURNA – A mixture of eight powders. The eight things are : Cukku (dry ginger), Mulaku (chilli), Tippali (long pepper), Ayamodaka (celery seed), Jiraka (baraway seed) Karimjiraka (black caraway seed) Intuppu (sodium chloride) and Kayam (asafoetida).
5. ASTADHARMAMARGA – Eight ways of attaining  moksa  – Yaga, Vedabhyasa, Dana, Tapas, Satya, Ksama, Daya, lack of desire.
6. ASTADHATU – Eight minerals : gold, silver, copper, tin, zinc, black lead, iron and mercury.
7. ASTADIGGAJAS and ASTADIKKARlNlS – There are eight male and eight female elephants standing guard over the eight zones. They are :

Zone                           Male                                     Female

East                           Airavata                                 Abhramu

South-east                 Pundarika                               Kapila

South                          Vamana                              Pirigala

South-west                 Kumuda                              Anupama

West                             Anjana                          Tamrakarm

North-west                    Puspadanta                    Subhradanti

North                          Sarvabhauma                     Angana

North-east                   Supratika                       Anjanavati

Besides these, there are four dig-gajas (elephants of the universe) who bear the earth standing below in the nether world. It is stated that the sons of Sagara who went into the nether land in search of the lost horse of his father saw these elephants. As they went to the east they saw the huge elephant Virupaksa, holding the earth on its head. It is said an earthquake occurs when for a change it shakes its head. Going to the left of it they saw the elephant Mahapadmasama holding the earth on its head on the south. Going again to the left of it they saw Saumanasa holding the earth on its head on the west and going to the left of it on the north they saw Bhadra holding the earth on its head.

1. ASTADIK – (Eight zones) – East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west, North and North-east.
2. ASTADIKPALAKA – Situated in the eight different zones of the Brahmaloka are eight big cities of the eight guardians of these zones each covering an area of 2500 yojanas. All these are on the top of Mahameru and Brahma sits in the center in his city called Manovatl. Around his city are the others as follows :

(1) On the east is AmaravatI, city of Indra.

(2) On South-east is TejovatI, city of Agni.

(3) On the South is Samyamani, city of Yama.

(4) On the South-west is Krsnanjana, city of Nirrti.

(5) On the West is Sraddhavati, city of Varuna.

(6) On the North-west is Gandhavati, city of Vayu.

(7) On the North is Mahodaya, city of Kubera.

(8) On the North-east is Yasovatl, city of Siva.

11. ASTADRAVYA – Eight substances of great medicinal value –  (1) Arayal, (Asvattha Fig tree) (2) Atti (Udumbara Keg tree) (3) Plasu (Palasa Downy branch butea) (4) Peral (Vata-Banyan tree) (5) Camata (6) Ellu (Sesame) (7) Vayasa (Krsnaguru) cedar tree (8) Ghee.

12. ASTADUTAGUNA – The eight qualities of a good messenger. (1) He should not stand perplexed when he is being given the message to carry. (2) He must be smart and enthusiastic. (3) He must have compassion for those in distress. (4) He must run his errand quickly. (5) He must be mild. (6) He should not be duped by the cunning words of others. (7) He must be healthy. (8) He must be able to talk convincingly.

13. ASTAGANDHA – Akil (Eaglewood), Candana (Sandal), Guggulu (Indian Bdellium), Manci (JatamamsI-Spikenard) Kuiikuma (saffron) , Kotta(Kustta-bostus root), Ramacca (Usiram-Sweet rush), Iruveli (Valaka).

14. ASTAGUNA – (1) Bhutadaya, Ksama, Anasuya, Gaurava, Anayasa, Mangala, Akarpanya and Asprha.

(2) Buddhibala, Kulasuddhi, Sama, Learning, Parakrama, Mitabhasana, Dana and Krtajnata.

(3) Absence of Jealousy, Rjutva, Sucitva, Santosa, Bhasanabharigi, Sama, Satya, Sthairya.

15. ASTAKARANA – Manas (mind), Buddhi (intelligence), Citta (thought), Ahankara (egotism ), Sankalpa in the mind (imagination) , determination, pride from egotism and Avadharana in Citta.

17. ASTAKASTA – Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion), Mada (arrogance), Matsarya (rivalry), Dambha (pride) and Asuya (jealousy).

18.ASTAKOPAVYASANA – (1) Paisunya (2) Sahasa (3) Droha (5) Irsya (5) Asuya (6) Arthadusana (7) Vagdanda and (8) Parusya.

19. ASTAKUMBHA – Suryabheda, Ujjayi, Silkkari, Sitali, Bhastika, Bhramari, Murccha and Plavinl. All these have to be practiced by students of Yoga.

20. ASTALOHA  – Eight metals. 1. Suvarnam – Gold. 2. Rajatam – Silver. 3. Tamram – Copper. 4. Sisakam – Lead,  5. Kantikam – Mercury, 6. Vamsam – Vamgam, TIU,  7. Lauham – Iron,

8. Tiksnalauham – Steel.

21. ASTAMANGALA – (A) Brahmins, bow, Fire, gold, ghee, Sun, water arid King. (B) Lion, bull, elephant, pitcher, camara, flag, trumpet and lamp.

22. ASTAMANGALYA. – 1.Kurava (2) Darpana (3)Dipa (4) Kalasa (5) Vastra (6) Aksatam (7) Angana (8) Svarna.

23. ASTAMANOGUNA – (1) Paratva (2) Aparatva (3) Samkhya (4) Parimana (5) Prthakta (6) Sam-yoga (7) Vibhaga (8) Vega.’

26. ASTAMCRTI(S) – Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Ether, Hota, Sun and Moon.

27. ASTANAGA(S) – Eight snakes. Vasuki; Taksa, Karkotaka, Sarhkha, Gulika, Padma, Mahapadma and Ananta.

28. ASTANGAHRDAYA. The medical science which deals in eight separate division the treatment of the human body. (1) Sarlra (2) Bala (3) Graha (4) Urddhvanga (5) Salya (6) Darhsfra (7) Jara and (8) Vrsa. Bala – Body which has not attained maturity; Graha – External elements which damage the health of infants; Salya – extraneous substance lodged in the body; Vrsa – The seminal fluid.