Yoga: The Symbolic Meaning of the Number 84, Its Origins, and Significance

What does 84 mean in yoga?

In yoga, the number 84 primarily refers to a symbolic and traditional count of significant postures (asanas) or, more broadly, the total number of unique cosmic positions or forms of life, each associated with a specific asana, from which a practitioner seeks liberation.

Understanding the Significance of 84 in Yoga

The number 84 holds profound symbolic and historical significance within various traditions of yoga. While it might appear as a literal count of postures, its meaning is often more deeply rooted in ancient yogic philosophy, cosmology, and the spiritual journey of the practitioner. It's not always about performing 84 distinct poses in a single session, but rather understanding the broader implications of this number.

Historical and Philosophical Roots

The concept of "84" in yoga draws heavily from ancient Indian philosophical and spiritual texts, particularly those associated with Tantra and traditional Hatha Yoga.

• Cosmic Scale: In some yogic and Hindu traditions, there are believed to be 8.4 million (84 lakhs) births or forms of life through which a soul must pass in the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). Each of these forms is said to have a corresponding asana that, if mastered, can lead to liberation (moksha) from that specific form of existence. The 84 asanas, therefore, represent a condensed, essential set that can help transcend this vast cycle.
• Ancient Texts: While classical Hatha Yoga texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita describe a much smaller, specific number of key asanas (e.g., 15-32), they often acknowledge a larger, symbolic pool from which these were selected. The number 84 emerges from broader tantric traditions that emphasize the immense variety and potential of yogic postures.

The Significance of 84 Asanas

While the exact list of these 84 postures is not universally agreed upon across all traditions, the number generally signifies a complete or foundational set of essential practices.

• Mastery and Liberation: It is believed that mastering these 84 postures can lead to a profound understanding of the body, mind, and spirit, ultimately aiding in spiritual liberation or enlightenment.
• Holistic Development: The theoretical 84 postures are thought to encompass a full range of physical, energetic, and mental benefits, addressing all aspects of human existence and promoting holistic well-being.

84 in Specific Yoga Traditions

The interpretation and application of the number 84 vary among different contemporary yoga styles.

• Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: While Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has a structured system of several series (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C, D), each containing a specific number of poses, the tradition often references the symbolic 84 asanas. The various series, when combined, offer a vast repertoire of postures, and the practice is seen as a progressive journey through a comprehensive system of asanas, embodying the spirit of the 84. Some advanced practitioners may indeed work through sequences that collectively feature a large number of distinct poses approaching this symbolic figure.
• Bikram Yoga: Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga, frequently cited the 84 traditional asanas as the source from which he derived his popular 26-posture sequence. He claimed that his specific sequence, performed in a heated room, was a "prescription" or a therapeutic condensation of the benefits found within the broader 84 traditional postures. In this context, 84 serves more as a historical and legitimizing reference than a literal instruction to perform that many poses.
• Traditional Hatha Yoga: Many modern Hatha Yoga styles, while not strictly adhering to a sequence of 84 poses, draw their inspiration from the vast repository of asanas described in ancient texts. The number 84 serves as a reminder of the extensive possibilities within the physical practice of yoga.

Symbolic and Energetic Interpretations

Beyond the literal count, 84 carries deeper symbolic weight:

• Completeness: The number often represents a sense of completeness or the totality of a system.
• Journey: It signifies the extensive journey of self-discovery and transformation that a yogi undertakes.
• Microcosm and Macrocosm: The 84 postures can be seen as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm of the universe and the myriad forms of existence. Each posture is believed to influence specific energy channels (nadis) and energy centers (chakras) within the body.

Practical Implications for Modern Practitioners

For most modern yoga practitioners, understanding the meaning of 84 is less about memorizing a list of 84 postures and more about appreciating the depth and breadth of the yogic tradition.

• Respect for Tradition: It fosters a deeper appreciation for the ancient wisdom and comprehensive nature of yoga.
• Holistic Approach: It encourages a holistic approach to practice, recognizing that physical postures are intertwined with energetic, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
• Progressive Learning: It highlights the idea that yoga is a continuous journey of learning and refinement, with an infinite number of variations and insights to explore.

Conclusion

The number 84 in yoga is a powerful symbol, encapsulating ancient wisdom about liberation, cosmic cycles, and the comprehensive nature of yogic practice. Whether interpreted as 8.4 million forms of life, a foundational set of 84 essential asanas, or a historical reference point for specific traditions, it underscores the profound depth and transformative potential embedded within the practice of yoga. It reminds practitioners that the journey of yoga is vast, encompassing a rich tapestry of physical, mental, and spiritual exploration beyond a mere sequence of poses.