USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser!

Join everyone’s favorite yoga buddy Caro as she raises money for USA Yoga Champ, Tara Johnson!

Caro will be teaching several 26+2 classes as well as a FULL 84-class!

Thursday, June 5th

6-7:30 AM Classic 26 + 2 (90 Minutes)

7-8:30 PM Intermediate 26 + 2 (90 Minutes) USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

Friday, June 6th

6-7:30 AM Classic 26 + 2 (90 Minutes) USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

7-8:30 PM Yoga + Sound Bath for USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

Saturday, June 7th

11:30-12:30 PM Express 26 + 2 (60 Minutes) USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

3-5 PM 84 Asana Full Practice (120 Minutes) USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

Sunday, June 8th

 11:30-12:30 PM Vinyasa Class for USA Yoga Champ Fundraiser

The 84 Asanas: A Breakdown of the Legendary Yoga Postures

In the world of yoga, the "84 asanas" hold a special significance. They are often regarded as the quintessential poses that encapsulate the essence of the yogic path. Here's a deeper dive into what they are, their roots, and how they fit into your practice:

What Are the 84 Asanas?

The number 84 is considered sacred in many yogic and spiritual traditions. It represents completeness and cosmic order. While ancient texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita reference 84 asanas as the pinnacle of physical practice, only a fraction of them are explicitly described. These asanas are seen as tools to purify the body, prepare for meditation, and cultivate spiritual growth.

Significance of the Number 84

  1. Numerological Importance: In Indian spirituality, 84 symbolizes the intersection of the physical and the divine. It's said there are 8.4 million life forms, and yoga helps transcend these cycles.

  2. Sacred Geometry: The number represents balance and unity, reflecting how these asanas bring harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Categorization of the 84 Asanas

The asanas can be grouped into various types based on purpose and intensity:

  1. Foundational Postures: Focused on grounding and stability (e.g., Tadasana, Sukhasana).

  2. Strength-Building Asanas: Develop core strength and physical resilience (e.g., Navasana, Bakasana).

  3. Flexibility-Enhancing Poses: Promote mobility and ease of movement (e.g., Hanumanasana, Kapotasana).

  4. Inversions: Enhance circulation and mental clarity (e.g., Sirsasana, Sarvangasana).

  5. Twists: Detoxify and improve spinal health (e.g., Ardha Matsyendrasana).

  6. Backbends: Open the heart and energize (e.g., Ustrasana, Dhanurasana).

  7. Forward Folds: Promote introspection and calm (e.g., Paschimottanasana).

  8. Meditative Postures: Cultivate stillness and focus (e.g., Padmasana, Siddhasana).

Examples of Key Asanas from the 84

Here are a few classic asanas that are part of the revered 84:

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Represents strength and grounding.

  • Sirsasana (Headstand): Known as the "King of Asanas" for its transformative benefits.

  • Padmasana (Lotus Pose): A meditative seat symbolizing spiritual awakening.

  • Hanumanasana (Splits Pose): A tribute to Hanuman’s leap, symbolizing devotion and strength.

  • Mayurasana (Peacock Pose): Builds balance and detoxifies the body.

How to Approach the 84 Asanas

While the number might seem daunting, the idea isn’t to master all 84 but to explore the journey they represent:

  • Begin Where You Are: Start with foundational poses and build gradually.

  • Customize Your Practice: Focus on asanas that resonate with your body and goals.

  • Use the Breath: Let your pranayama guide you deeper into the poses.

  • Seek Balance: Include a mix of strength, flexibility, and meditative postures.

Modern Interpretations

Today, the 84 asanas are often interpreted through different lenses depending on the lineage or teacher. Some styles of yoga, like Bikram and Ashtanga, include sequences inspired by these classical postures.

The 84 asanas aren't just a physical challenge; they're a map for personal growth, connection, and balance. As you explore them, remember they’re not about perfection but about embracing the journey—physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

The 84 Asanas 

The "84 asanas" are more than just yoga poses—they’re a sacred symbol of balance and transformation. Rooted in ancient texts, they represent the ultimate connection between body, mind, and soul.

From grounding postures like Tadasana, to heart-opening backbends like Dhanurasana, and meditative seats like Padmasana, these poses are a journey, not a destination. 

You don’t have to master them all—start where you are, breathe, and let the practice guide you. The 84 remind us that yoga isn’t about perfection, but embracing the process. 

Marisa Johnson