Surya namaskara is a well-known and vital technique within the yogic repertoire. It is a practice which has been handed down from the sages of vedic times. Surya means ‘sun’ and namaskara means ‘salutation’.
It is a technique of solar vitalization, a series of exercises which recharge us like a battery, enabling us to live more fully and joyfully with dynamism and skill in action.
Surya namaskara is a series of twelve physical postures. These alternate backward and forward bending asanas flex and stretch the spinal column and limbs through their maximum range. The series gives such a profound stretch to the whole body that few other forms of exercise can be compared with it.
It is almost a complete sadhana in itself, containing asana, pranayama and meditational techniques within the main structure of the practice. It also has the depth and completeness of a spiritual practice.
Surya namaskara can be easily integrated into our daily lives as it requires only five to fifteen minutes’ practice daily to obtain beneficial results remarkably quickly.
SURYA NAMASKARA – A TECHNIQUE OF SOLAR VITALIZATION BY SWAMI SATYANANDA SARASWATI
(This is only a demonstration to facilitate practice of the asanas. It must be supplemented by a thorough study of each of the asanas. Careful attention must be paid to the contra indications in respect of each one of the asanas. It is advisable to practice under the guidance of a yoga teacher.)
