What
is the Salutation to the Sun?
What is the Salutation to the Sun?
Surya, from the Sanskrit means sun. Namaskar is a greeting. Surya
Namaskar is a Salutation to the Sun and is a traditional practice most
commonly found today in Hatha Yoga. The Salutation to the Sun has
deeper roots, going back to Vedic times of several thousand years as a
form of Sun worship
The sun is Brahman: this is the teaching.
An explanation thereof follows:
In the beginning this universe was non-existent. It became existent. It
grew. It turned into an egg. The egg lay for the period of a year. Then
it broke open. Of the two halves of the egg-shell, one half was of
silver, the other of gold.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XIX - Meditation on the Sun as
Brahman,
1
That which was of silver became the earth; that which was of gold,
heaven. What was the thick membrane of the white became the mountains;
the thin membrane of the yolk, the must and the clouds. The veins
became the rivers; the fluid in the bladder, the ocean.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XIX - Meditation on the Sun as
Brahman,
2
And what was born of it was yonder Aditya, the sun. When it was born
shouts of Hurrah! arose, together with all beings and all objects of
desire. Therefore at its rise and its every return shouts of Hurrah!
together with all beings and all objects of desire arise.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XIX - Meditation on the Sun as
Brahman,
3
He who, knowing this, meditates on the sun as Brahman-pleasant sounds
will quickly approach him and continue to delight him, yea, continue to
delight him.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XIX - Meditation on the Sun as
Brahman, 4
What are the Benefits of Practicing the Sun Salutation?
Surya Namaskar is a powerful practice when undertaken on a regular
basis. Moving through the sequence of postures that make up the
Salutation stimulates every major muscle group in the body, and
increases circulation. Regular practice promotes limberness of muscles
and joints, as well as strength and balance throughout the entire body.
In addition, the internal organs and the endocrine system are
stimulated and refreshed by practice.
Sun Salutations are especially recommended for depression, and can
uplift the spirits. While in the west today there are many variations
of Surya Namaskar, specific Classical versions provide certain benefit
that more athletic variations may not, including stimulation of
specific energy points (known as marmasthanas) through direct contact
with the earth. Surya Namaskar, traditionally is to be performed
prayerfully, and one is advised not to let the practice become too
physical. How is that done? Through techniques to develop and maintain
mental concentration on an inner point of focus. These points of focus
include:
Visualization & Activation of Vital Energy Centers
Each position of Surya Namaskar stimulates a specific energy center,
known as a chakra (pronounced with a hard CH as in chosen). The chakras
are similar to flowers, and each is associated with certain colors, and
has a different number of 'petals' ranging from 2 to over 100,000. When
moving through each position, the chakras may be visualized in
relationship with their location in the body.
Seed Sounds & Mantras
Each chakra also has a Bija (bee-ja) or seed sound, to which it
resonates. Another way to focus, in addition to visualization or
separate from, is to verbally (at first) then silently repeat the bija
sound for each position. Listening to the sound also promotes
concentration and absorption. If one has the motivation to study the
Sanskrit for the bija sounds, the Devan-aagari script can be visualized
alone, or in the center of each of the chakras.
The individual positions of the Sun Salutations also have their own
Sanskrit mantras. Each mantra is a name, or quality of the sun, such as
'the Giver of Life', 'One that Nourishes', and others. These mantras
can be chanted aloud or silently, alone, or combined with the bija
sound, and also used with chakra visualization.
Putting this all together into practice sounds quite complicated, when
in reality it isn't at all! The practice is quite multi layered, and
each aspect can be individual or combined. As the practice advances,
and mental focus strengthens, more layers can be added.
Who Can Practice Sun Salutations?
There are various medical conditions that may preclude certain parts of
practice, but virtually anyone can participate in a practice, even if
it is simply visualizing the chakras or doing the Sun Salutations, or
mantra chanting! The practice doesn't necessarily have to be physical
for benefits to be realized.
As far the the actual physical positions, specific medical conditions
may imposed limitations on some of the postures, or how they are done.
It is said that in Hatha Yoga, there are over 840,000 postures. A
knowledgeable teacher can find a way to make a modification for most
conditions and limitations. Also, in the beginning of practice, there
may be a lack of flexibility, strength and stamina. This should not
discourage the new practitioner, as these things are overcome with
regular, consistent practice and the help of a competent teacher.
