Surya Namaskar (Sun Saluation)

Surya Namaskara (Pronounced SOOR-yah nah-mahs-KAHrah), known in English as "Sun Salutation" (Lit. "Salute to the Sun"), is a common sequence of Hatha Yoga Asanas. Its origins lie in a worship of Surya, the Hindu solar deity. This sequence of movements & poses can be practised on varying levels of awareness, ranging from that of physical exercise in various styles, to a complete sadhana which incorporates Asana, Pranayama, Mantra & Chakra meditation.

The physical base of the practice links together twelve asanas in a dynamically performed series. These asanas are ordered so that they alternately stretch the spine backwards and forwards. When performed in the usual way, each asana is moved into with alternate inhalation and exhalation (except for the sixth asana where the breath is held in external suspension). A full round of Surya Namaskara is considered to be two sets of the twelve poses with a change in the second set to moving the opposite leg first through the series.

In Hindu mythology, the sun god is worshiped as a symbol of health and immortal life. The Rig Veda declares that "Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings". The Sun Salutation originated as a series of prostrations to the sun. Traditionally, it is performed at dawn, facing the rising sun. Practiced daily it will bring great flexibility to your spine and joints and trim your waist. It limbers up the whole body in preparation for the Asanas (Postures), pumps the energy in, removes mental blocks & restores balance.