Yoga is more than just a form of physical fitness. It is a philosophical practice that has its roots in the Hindu religion. In many philosophies and religions, certain numbers have symbolic and mystical attachments. The following explanations are for some of the more common numbers used in the practice and study of traditional yoga.
One: Eka
One in yoga represents oneness with the divine, or Brahman. One also can be symbolic of the atman, or soul. The goal of yoga is to help the practitioner achieve this oneness through dedication, practice and discipline. During meditation, this oneness may be the object of reflection in the pursuit of self-realization, which is the discovery that the soul is not an individual entity but one with the divine.
Two: Dvi
Two symbolizes the duality of all nature, including the divine. This is represented by the Hindu god Shiva, who is both male and female. It is believed that the yoga asanas, or postures, were delivered to the masters by Lord Shiva. In yoga, asanas are balanced and practiced for both sides of the body. For example, matsyendrasana, or spinal twist, is performed first on the right and then the left side of the body.
Three: Triah
Three or triah, is a powerful number in yoga. It is represented by the symbol Aum, or Om. Yoga philosophy teaches that there are three bodies, or tri-sharira, that make up each being: the physical (or tangible body), the astral and the causal body. Each is more refined than the previous. The word "yoga" means to yoke or unite, which implies that practice brings unity or harmony to the tri-sharira.
Four: Chatur
Four represents dharma, law or order; many deities in the Hindu religion have four limbs. According to yoga philosophy, there are four stages of development--student, householder, retirement and renunciation--and four pursuits in life--righteousness, wealth, desire and salvation. Four also is found in other numbers used in yoga practice; it is a multiple of 12, as in the 12 positions of surya-namaskar (sun salutation); and it is a multiple of 108 (3 x 4 x 9), as in the 108 beads of the mala used in meditation.
Five: Panchan
There are five elements in the universe: ether (akasa), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jala) and earth (avani). Our earthly bodies are comprised of some of each of these elements. The number five also represents both the physical body and the planet Earth. The practice of yoga helps the individual to balance the elements and live in harmony with the universe.
Six: Shashtan
Six is also a significant number for yogis. The six paths of yoga are hatha yoga (asana practice), raja yoga (meditation and mind control), bhakti yoga (worship and devotion), jnana yoga (search for truth), karma yoga (selfless acts) and nada yoga (use of sound and vibration). Purity can be obtained by practicing all six paths.
Seven: Saptan
Seven is a mystical number in many religious traditions. It appears frequently in Hinduism and yoga and represents the whole of the universe. In Hindu scripture, it is taught that there are seven worlds above the earth and seven planes of consciousness. In yoga, these planes of consciousness correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers, in the body: muladhara (the root chakra), svadhishtana (the abdomen), manipura (the heart), anahata (the throat), visuddha (the mouth), ajna (the third eye) and sahasrara (the crown chakra). The practice of yoga helps move energy through the chakras, freeing the body and mind in order to attain nirvana, or enlightenment.
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