The number 108 holds spiritual significance in many traditions, including yoga, where it symbolizes completeness and connection between the individual and the universe. While there isn’t a universally agreed-upon list of 108 specific asanas, many schools of yoga compile comprehensive sequences to align with this sacred number, blending physical practice with deeper spiritual meaning.
Here's a general idea of how the 108 asanas might be organized:
Categories of Asanas:
- Standing Poses (e.g., Tadasana, Warrior Poses)
- Seated Poses (e.g., Sukhasana, Padmasana)
- Forward Bends (e.g., Paschimottanasana)
- Backbends (e.g., Bhujangasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana)
- Twists (e.g., Ardha Matsyendrasana)
- Balancing Poses (e.g., Tree Pose, Crow Pose)
- Inversions (e.g., Sarvangasana, Sirsasana)
- Core Strengthening Poses (e.g., Navasana)
- Hip Openers (e.g., Baddha Konasana)
- Restorative Poses (e.g., Savasana, Balasana)
Example of Some Common Asanas:
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow)
- Balasana (Child’s Pose)
- Navasana (Boat Pose)
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Twist)
- Sirsasana (Headstand)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
- Halasana (Plow Pose)
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Why 108 Asanas?
Spiritual Significance:
- 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yogic traditions. There are 108 beads in a mala (prayer beads), used for meditation and chanting.
Symbolic Connection:
- The number is thought to represent the universe:
- 1 symbolizes unity.
- 0 symbolizes emptiness or completeness.
- 8 represents infinity or eternity.
- The number is thought to represent the universe:
Meditative Practice:
- Practicing 108 asanas or performing 108 sun salutations (Surya Namaskar) is a meditative journey, often done during seasonal changes or significant life events to mark transformation.
How to Approach Practicing 108 Asanas:
- Start Small: You don’t need to master all 108 at once. Begin with foundational poses and gradually build your practice.
- Flow Practice: Some yoga classes or retreats offer 108 asana sequences as a flow, moving from one posture to the next in a meditative rhythm.
- Adapt to Your Level: Choose poses that match your strength and flexibility, and modify as needed.
Would you like a more detailed sequence or focus on a specific group of asanas, like standing poses or backbends? 😊🧘♀️
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