Thought I'd resurrect this post as it's nearly that time of the year again.

I decided I'd try and find out what the 108 'sins' were. Each of the 108 chimes of the bell they sound at midnight is supposed to purge one of these from you.

Now I understand why nobody could tell me what the 108 'sins/desires' actually were. It's more of a mathematical formula than a comprehensive list:

There are 6 senses (Eyes, ears, mouth, nose, skin, mind)

times this by 3 (which relates to time: past, present and future)

gives you 18

times this by 2 (whether your heart is pure or impure at the time)

makes 36

times by 3 (how you might feel about 'it' at the time; like it, dislike it, don't actually care)

Gives you a total of 108 potential 'outcomes' of your desires


Didn't realise priests from the past were actually spritual 'economists'.