About Classical Sun Salutations
a brief context of Surya Namaskar Asana
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The Sun Salutation is an iconic sequence in modern yoga.
Many people feel this is a corner stone, something they can expect right at the peak, in a studio class. Often with variations thrown in for extra impact.
Yet the sequence has only existed for 2-300 years! Yoga is several thousand years old so this is an easy indication that yogic practices once held different form than they may now.
It is said that Somarth Ramdas taught this sequence to Shiva to build confidence of the Indian people and develop the overall Will Power of the whole country.
It was then taught as a sadhana (a morning practice) all over India. My teacher, Yogrishi, did Surya Namaskar Asana (SNA) as a 6-7 year old at school.
NOTE: As modern practitioners, it is important to recognize the cultural importance of Surya Namaskar Asana in Indian history. The sequence was deliberately developed by an Indian man then shared with people of the country for physical, mental and energetic strength.
This practice works on the glands, the spine and overall increases the Solar (Surya) energy within the person who practices it.
The SNA is a procedure to summon Solar Energy and all the associated qualities like Confidence, Clarity and Will Power.
The Classical Sun Salutation is a cycle of movements that start standing, transition to the floor, then deliver you back to standing.
SNA is done on the right then left side consecutively, without variations, in a repeated cycle. Often in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 12 rounds.
One cycle beginning with each foot makes one full round of SNA. 1R foot + 1L foot = 1 full round.
NOTE: This is a key difference between the modern Vinyasa style where much time and additional poses may come between practicing on the right then left side of the body. Yogis believed a pose practiced on one side should almost immediately be practiced on the other side to maintain balance in the body.
There are 12 poses on one side and 12 poses on the other. 24 poses total like the 24 hours in a day. The Gyatri Mantra has 24 words.
It is recommended to practice Surya Namaskar Asana 45 minutes before the sun rises.
Practicing SNA in the early morning raises the solar energy within as the Sun rises in the sky giving you the best benefits and integration.
It may activate serotonin in the body that will support your day.
Because this sequence is increasing the solar energy, it can be unbalancing to practice it at night during the lunar time.
Symptoms from nighttime practice may include restlessness, anxiety, inability to sleep, disturbed hormones and moods.
When practiced in the morning, there are innumerable benefits because it is supporting your natural rhythm with the rhythm of the planet.
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