Join Mike for a special 108 Sun Salutations class to celebrate the Summer Solstice!
Why 108 Sun Salutations?
Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit
We practice sun salutations to honor the changing of the seasons and celebrate the sun's vital energy.
The number 108 is sacred in many philosophies and traditions.
Astronomically: The average distance between the Sun and Earth is about 108 times the Sun's diameter. The distance between the Earth and the Moon is roughly 108 times the Moon's diameter.
Yogic Anatomy: In Ayurvedic traditions, there are 108 sacred points (marma points) on the body. Yogic philosophy also says there are 108 energy channels, or nadis, that converge to form the heart chakra.
Sacred Symbolism: Traditional japa mala meditation beads contain 108 beads. In numerology, 1 represents the individual soul or Truth, 0 represents nothingness or completeness, and 8 represents infinity.
Aspects of the Sun
Traditionally, each of the 12 poses that make up a full Sun Salutation sequence honors one of these 12 distinct aspects of the sun.
Om Mitraya Namaha: The friend of all
Om Ravaye Namaha: The one who shines
Om Suryaya Namaha: The guide/dispeller of darkness
Om Bhanave Namaha: The illuminator/bestower of beauty
Om Khagaya Namaha: The one who moves through the sky
Om Pushne Namaha: The nourisher of all
Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namaha: The golden, cosmic source of the universe
Om Marichaye Namaha: The lord of the dawn
Om Adityaya Namaha: The son of the cosmic mother, Aditi
Om Savitre Namaha: The arouser or purifier
Om Arkaya Namaha: The radiant one, worthy of praise
Om Bhaskaraya Namaha: The bestower of wisdom and light
