Tara AnandSurya Namaskar, or salutation to the Sun, is an important yogic practice which dates back to the ancient Vedic period when the Sun was worshipped as a powerful symbol of health and immortal life. From its origins, Surya Namaskar has developed into a graceful sequence of twelve postures performed as a continuous exercise.
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, with everyone on the look-out for an exercise routine that is holistic yet not too time-intensive, Surya Namaskar provides the answer:
- It can be easily integrated into our daily lives requiring only ten to fifteen minutes of daily practice to obtain beneficial results. It can be performed at any time (with a suitable gap from major meals) – though early morning practice is ideal. Moreover, it is easy to perform anywhere, and does not require any special equipment.
- It can be safely and easily performed by nearly everyone (except in case of certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure etc.). Surya Namaskar is flexible and versatile in its application – can be adapted for the present levels of flexibility, joint restrictions, age and comfort level of the practitioner.
- It is an enjoyable dynamic exercise which the entire family can do together – becoming a daily ritual for family bonding! In fact, it is wonderfully suited for optimally harnessing and channeling the energy of growing children.
- Surya Namaskar is a complete practice – working on mind, body and spirit. It is a scientifically designed yogic sequence containing asana, pranayama and meditational techniques, thereby working not only on the physical level but also at deeper, subtle levels of the individual consciousness.
- Surya Namaskar is preventive as well as therapeutic for health. It provides a preventive function by maintaining optimum wellbeing amid the stressors of modern life but also has therapeutic properties. In fact as per Swami Satyananda Sarawati, Surya Namaskar has healing properties as it “facilitates rearrangement of distorted energies that led to physical, mental or nervous breakdown”.
- The practice is extremely malleable and can be adapted to match the varying moods and needs of the practitioner. For instance, whereas a fast paced morning workout may provide the energy boost needed to kick-start the day, a slower rhythm could fulfill the need for restoration and de-stressing in the evening.
- Physically, Surya Namaskar is matchless in its ability to comprehensively and systematically exercise the entire body quickly. It keeps the spine supple and flexible, stretches and tones countless muscles, regulates hormones, massages the internal organs improving digestion, circulation, respiration and elimination functions, tones the nerves, clears up the skin and makes the body leaner to name a few benefits. It also promotes longevity and is anti-aging.
- Psychologically, Surya Namaskar balances emotions and removes negativity. It helps to de-stress by allaying anxiety, fear and inducing peace of mind, mental balance, calmness and hope. It also makes the memory sharper, works as an antidepressant and induces positivity in outlook.
- Surya Namaskar provides a means for sure but safe spiritual transformation – The twelve yogic postures are woven together in a manner to generate prana, suble energy, which purifies and rejuvenates the practitioner. In fact as is the aim of all yogic practices, Surya Namaskar too was devised with the aim to enable spiritual awakening.
When performed mindfully and with breath-awareness, Surya Namaskar becomes a ‘meditation in motion’. In fact, when combined with chakra visualization and mantra chanting, its effects are further magnified making it a powerful tool for bringing about profound yet safe spiritual growth.
As in any area of our lives where we desire personal transformation, self-effort and discipline are certainly needed to unlock all the benefits of Surya Namaskar. But the investment will be well-worth it – try it yourself to feel the difference.
(First published and printed in 2015 in the Speaking Tree, TOI )
