SUN SALUTATION (SURYA NAMASKAR)

In Hindu mythology, the sun god is worshipped as a symbol of health and immortal life. “Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings”.

Sun salutations were originally a series of prostrations to the sun, part of Hindu religious practices performed by priests, not part of Hatha yoga. They were absorbed into Hatha yoga practice because of their powerful ability to lubricate the entire spine and maintain the healthy functioning of the endocrine system.

Nowadays sun salutations are mostly practiced in yoga as only postures without mantras and by Hindu priests as only mantras without accompanying postures. When the two aspects are integrated they become more effective, combining physical and spiritual  becomes Sutra Yoga. Each of the twelve positions has its own mantra, giving vibrational and energetic effects on each chakra, which are points of focus.

Traditionally performed at dawn, facing the rising sun, or worshipping the setting sun,  bestowing light and love. Surya means sun and self.

The graceful sequence of twelve positions is dedicated to the sun’s cycle of 12 months, performed as one continuous exercise. Each position counteracts the one before, stretching the body in a different way and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the breathing, stretching and massaging your abdominal organs improving metabolism and balancing hormones. Practiced daily it will bring great flexibility and stability to your spine and joints, stretch and balance your muscles and trim your waist! It limbers up the whole body in preparation for the asanas and when practised with feeling and intention, brings a sense of emotional well being. Feel as if your whole body is filled and replaced with the light of the sun. Meditate on this embodiment of light for as long as you enjoy it.

Surya Namaskara with Mantras

Sun salutation mantras / sound vibrations add a profound spiritual touch to a yoga practice.  Bowing to the Sun with the forward fold, a gentle smile on the face as we carry on with each sun salutation posture and co-ordinate it with a mantra recital. This gives a sense of sacredness to the practice rather than just a physical exercise, making sure we tap into our Selves on all levels.

Chant with gratefulness, eg. Om Bhanave Namahe as we step back into equine/low lunge, means ‘one who brings light’ –giving a sense of gratitude to the sun for giving us light and making life possible.

Rhythmic cycles restore a radiant body and cultivate a clear tranquil mind, build digestive fire, energise the nervous system, balance hormones and flow of prana, activate both lower and upper extremities, and enhance a positive mood. Like other classic yoga asanas, the sun salutation is a gateway to entering the subtle body, tapping into healing power, gaining vitality, and accelerating the process of rejuvenation. To derive all these benefits, however, you must take the practice beyond stretching. The spiritual dimension of surya namaskara is much more profound and fulfilling than the physical level of practice alone.

We used to chant the Gayatri mantra at the start of our Winter Solstice practice but now there are so many beautiful musical versions that can accompany us.

Gayatri Mantra – a mind vibration which opens our heart

Om Bhur Bhuvaha Swaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayat

‘Let us contemplate the Radiant Source of all Light, may our minds merge with It, thereby awakening our Perception and Understanding on all three planes – physical, vital and mental’