How to Do 108 Bows and Three Bows (Korean Buddhist)

Three bows (sambae) means making a full prostration three times, the most basic greeting to the Buddha on entering a Dharma hall. 108 bows is the same full bow repeated 108 times as a practice; at roughly 10 seconds per bow it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. In the online temple Hapjang (합장) you can follow three bows and 108 bows on a cushion in the Main Buddha Hall, in time with the moktak.

Three bows: About 30 seconds to 1 minute
108 bows: Usually 15–20 minutes
Where: At a cushion in the Main Buddha Hall
Longer practice: 1,080 bows · 3,000 bows, or as many as feel comfortable
Counting: Only bows completed all the way count
What you need: Nothing (at home, a thick cushion and comfortable clothes)

Who are the three bows for?

The three bows are often explained as one bow each to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (his teaching) and the Sangha (the community of monks). At many temples, the custom is to make three bows first when you enter the hall, and only then sit down.

Why 108?

The number 108 is commonly said to stand for the number of human afflictions, and people bow with the intention of setting one of them down with each bow. There are several traditional ways of counting to 108, and explanations vary a little from temple to temple. Many people keep count by moving one prayer bead per bow.

Go easy on your knees and back

If you bow for real, use a thick cushion and lower yourself slowly so your knees don't thump on the floor.
Don't bend sharply at the waist; bend your knees first to lower your body.
If your knees or back hurt, stop right away. A half bow or simply joining your palms is enough for that day.
If you're new, start with as many as feel comfortable rather than aiming for all 108.

How to do 108 bows

Warm up Lay out a cushion and gently loosen your knees, ankles and lower back.
Begin with a half bow Face the Buddha, put your palms together, make a half bow, and get ready for the first full bow.
One full bow Kneel, place both hands on the floor and touch your forehead down, then push up with your hands and stand with palms together. Breathing out as you go down makes it easier to keep a rhythm.
Keep count Move one prayer bead per bow, or fold a finger every ten bows. If you lose count, just carry on roughly where you were.
Keep your pace If you get out of breath, slow down. Around 10 seconds per bow is a comfortable speed.
Finish After the last bow, put your palms together, make a half bow, and sit for a moment to let your breath settle.

Try it in Hapjang

Walk up to an empty cushion in the Main Buddha Hall and choose three bows under [Greet] at the bottom, or open the Bowing & chanting panel on the cushion and pick Bow at your own pace, 108 bows, 1,080 bows or 3,000 bows. Full bows follow the beat of the moktak, and the screen shows how many you've finished, like "0 / 108". Only bows completed all the way count, not button presses. Today's total stays on this device, and a short message appears when you reach 108. You can stop anytime with [Finish], and making three bows in the hall adds the 拜 stamp to your notebook.

Enter the temple

Frequently asked questions

How long do 108 bows take?

At a normal pace of about 10 seconds per bow, roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Beginners who pause to rest may take more than 25 minutes.

Can I do 108 bows with bad knees?

Stopping when it hurts comes first. If your knees or back are uncomfortable, do fewer bows or use a half bow or palms together instead, and talk to a medical professional if the pain continues.

What's the difference between three bows and 108 bows?

The movement is the same full bow; only the number differs. Three bows is the basic greeting when you enter a hall, while 108 bows is a deliberately long practice for gathering the mind.

Last updated 2026-11-07