Surya Namaskar, a sequence of twelve asanas, is a profound practice within Surya Yoga, designed as a reverential salutation to the Sun God, a principal source of prana, the vital life force permeating the universe. This practice acknowledges the sun’s crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, providing energy that nourishes all living beings. According to Ashwini Guruji, the Guiding Light of Dhyan Ashram, Surya Namaskar is not merely a physical exercise but a complete sadhana, a spiritual practice that harmonizes the individual’s koshas – the physical, pranic, intellectual, intuitive, and blissful sheaths. This practice draws upon the sun’s pranic energy, channeling it through the five senses to establish equilibrium within these subtle layers of being.
The practice of Surya Namaskar begins and ends with Pranamasana, a gesture of reverence where hands are folded at the heart chakra, acknowledging the sun’s life-giving energy. The sequence then flows through a dynamic series of postures: Hasta Utthanasana, raising arms overhead while inhaling; Padahastasana, exhaling and bending forward to touch the floor; Ashwa Sanchalanasana, the equestrian pose, lunging forward with one leg while extending the other back; Parvatasana, the mountain pose, forming a triangle with the body; and Ashtanga Namaskara, lowering the body to the ground with eight points of contact. These postures, performed with mindful awareness centered at the Manipurak chakra, the navel chakra associated with the sun’s energy, facilitate the absorption of prana.
The subsequent posture, Bhujangasana, the cobra pose, involves gently arching the back, stimulating the flow of energy along the spine. From here, the sequence reverses, flowing back through Parvatasana, Ashwa Sanchalanasana, Padahastasana, Hasta Utthanasana, and finally returning to Pranamasana. This cyclical flow of postures mimics the sun’s journey across the sky, symbolizing the continuous cycle of creation, sustenance, and transformation. It is recommended to practice Surya Namaskar at sunrise and sunset, as these times are considered optimal for absorbing the sun’s pranic frequencies, conducive to achieving a balanced state within the human system. Regular practice at these times can even imbue the practitioner with a healthy, reddish glow, reminiscent of the rising or setting sun.
The practice of Surya Namaskar, however, requires more than just physical flexibility and strength; it demands a certain level of preparedness within the practitioner’s energy system. The direct absorption of solar prana can significantly amplify the influx of pranic energy within the body. Ashwini Guruji emphasizes the importance of enhancing the body’s capacity to handle this increased energy flow. Similar to how an electrical appliance designed for a specific wattage can overload and malfunction if subjected to a higher current, the human body needs preparation to effectively manage the amplified pranic intake. This preparation involves engaging in other yogic practices, such as Sanatan Kriya and Ashtanga Yoga, which strengthen and expand the body’s energetic capacity, preventing potential imbalances caused by excessive pranic absorption.
The significance of Om, the primordial sound, is also highlighted in the context of Surya Namaskar. Om is not merely a sound but the very essence of creation, the source from which all other sounds, colors, and the five elements originated. It is believed that the closer a shakti, or energy form, is to the source of creation, the closer its sound resonates with the eternal Om. Interestingly, scientific recordings of the sun’s sound have revealed a continuous loop of Om, further emphasizing the sun’s role as a potent source of prana. This connection between the sun’s sound and Om underscores the profound spiritual dimension of Surya Namaskar, linking the practice to the very essence of creation.
It’s crucial to approach Surya Namaskar with respect and proper guidance. Given its potential to significantly impact the body’s energy system, it is not recommended for beginners. Ashwini Guruji advises against practicing Surya Namaskar without first establishing a foundation in basic yogic principles under the supervision of a qualified Guru. This guidance ensures that the practitioner develops the necessary physical strength, flexibility, and energetic capacity to safely and effectively harness the sun’s powerful pranic energy. This cautious approach underscores the importance of respecting the potent nature of this ancient practice, ensuring that it is used as a tool for holistic well-being rather than potential harm.
