Sadhguru decodes the mathematics and mysticism of the numbers 21 and 84, exploring their roots in the human energy system and their pivotal role in yogic practices to activate one’s full potential.
Question: In Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, we chant AUM 21 times, and the Kriya lasts 21 minutes. What is the significance of the number 21?
Sadhguru: One simple way to look at it is based on the premise that there are 7 chakras and 3 nadis. Three times 7 is 21. So, we ensure that all 3 nadis – the masculine, feminine, and that which is beyond – are touched in all 7 dimensions. When you chant a mantra, it is often done 108 times because there are only 108 chakras within the system that you can work upon and transform. You cannot do anything about the remaining six; they are just there.
The idea is that you emerge as a whole human being, not as a lopsided person. If you become too feminine or too masculine, you will be a problem. But if you maintain a balance between the two and play both of them well, you will be a wonderful human being. That is why 21.
Question: Why are there 84 fundamental asanas in classical Hatha Yoga?
Sadhguru: In Yoga, it is believed that this is the 84th cycle of creation. There are other aspects to this, but we will not discuss them here. There are 84 dimensions of memory in the human system, and 84 levels of possibilities or hurdles – you can see it in two ways. If you see them as hurdles, you would like to dissolve them. If you see them as possibilities, you would like to use them as stepping stones to climb higher. Both are okay; these are just two different ways of approaching it.
Because of these 84 dimensions of memory, there are 84 asanas. And everything we do is in 21 because it is one quarter of that. Normally, for a human being to live a full-fledged life on a physical and social level, only 21 chakras in the body need to be active. Somewhere, someone said 21, considering the 3 dimensions of energy: Pingala, Ida, and Sushumna; each of them has 7 levels; 3 multiplied by 7 equals 21.
People mistakenly believe there are only 7 chakras, but actually, in these 3 energy dimensions, 3 chakras each are functioning like one on 7 different levels – 3 multiplied by 7 equals 21. But this is the most basic way to live. Though you may be physically, psychologically, and emotionally complete, energy-wise, you are disabled.
Suppose out of four limbs, only one was functioning, we would consider you as disabled. Or if out of your brain, only 25% was functioning, we would also consider you as disabled.
Energy-wise, that is what the world is right now. If 21 chakras function, you will be quite complete physically, psychologically, and emotionally. But you will not be capable of exploring anything beyond simple survival processes. The whole world is focused on survival right now.
Modern society has given up everything profound in life and has enshrined profanity. You are not supposed to seek anything except your food, clothing, car, and house. If you think of anything beyond these, or if you look up, you will be considered as ancient. Similarly, if you look down, you will be seen as archaic. Being modern means looking at the shopping window drooling over the items on display. Doing asanas with unseeing eyes is considered archaic.
With 21 chakras, one can live a complete physical life; but for other dimensions to become a living reality, the rest must be activated. Intelligence needs to be empowered by energy; otherwise, dormant intelligence is as good as non-existent. Dormant intelligence is like a computer that cannot be turned on; it is not useful. Right now, the human system is like a supercomputer that only functions at survival level. If more of its capabilities are to be utilized, it requires activation.
Hatha Yoga is a discipline that activates the whole system. People often ask questions like, “I have ulcers; which asana should I do?” At the very least, one should practice a simple Hatha Yoga system that will activate something which leads to a curative process by itself. But Yoga does not focus on curing specific ailments; its primary goal is to make the physical system fully functional.
If your system is functioning at its highest potential, everything will be okay. When the body is capable of creating itself from within, it is generally capable of fixing itself when it comes to anything chronic. If something comes from outside, we have to deal with it accordingly.
