Surya Namaskar

The coming together of Ida and Pingala in turn generates a spiritual power called Sushumna, which has its own aura. In this way, the Prayer Pose is a symbol of our attempt to assess our mental balance before we get on with our day. Pranamasana helps one to attain the right kind of mindset. Since breath is exhaled during this asana, it is indicative of looking within oneself.

Similarly, Hasta-utthan-asana or the Raised Arms Pose, which follows Pranamasana flings the body backwards as if to receive the Sun’s energy in every pore while the Sun is at its zenith. Pada-hastasana or Toe-touching (Hand-to-Foot Pose) followed by Parvatasana or Mountain Pose symbolise an internalising movement in an attempt to solve problems related to daily life. The Ashwa Sanchalanaor or Equestrian Pose next, is a symbol of the power and courage needed to confront problems. It also stands for self-confidence. Astang Namaskar or Salute with Eight Points (of the body) is a symbol of the lowest levels of human energy. This asana expresses an attitude of complete surrender to the Sun at the peak of its power. Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose which follows, symbolises an awakening, the transition from ignorance to knowledge or from inertia (tamas) to the regenerative life force of ‘rajas’.

Thus Surya Namaskar tries to coordinate the Sun’s progress with the life force of man. The Pingala artery is most active at dawn and dusk, and low at noon. So Surya Namaskar is a strong medium for the transformation of the human mind. If one does it with consciousness of the purpose of each asana, the results are bound to be positive.

Extracted from ‘Surya Namaskar: Teach Yourself the Sun Salute’, Shrishti 2004