Why 108 Surya Namaskar ?

Exploring the Different Branches of Yoga

Many of us begin our yoga journey with Hatha yoga, which encompasses various aspects like asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, bandhas, mantras, and more. If you've learned yoga in a traditional guru-shishya (teacher-student) manner, you may have also come across other branches such as Bhakti, Karma, Raja, Jnana, and Tantra yoga. These branches naturally integrate into your practice, allowing you to learn and embrace the connection between yoga and the soul. However, with the rise of technology, we have adopted different modes of learning, and some may not have the opportunity to meet their teachers in person during virtual sessions. While this has made yoga accessible to people around the world, it has also diminished the significance of understanding ancient practices. It is crucial to align your practice with every element of yoga, and in the upcoming blogs, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of yoga.

Unlocking the Significance of 108

The number 108 holds great importance within the yoga community. A Japa mala typically consists of 108 beads, and the names of yoga postures are derived from ancient Sanskrit, which has 54 alphabets. These alphabets are associated with two energies, Shiva and Shakti, representing the divine masculine and feminine energies. Multiplying 54 by 2 gives us 108. Shiva is said to have 108 attendants, and yogic texts mention 108 nadis (energy channels) in the human body, particularly connected to the Anahata (heart chakra), which is the fourth chakra from the crown. Hinduism has 108 Upanishads, and the ancient Indian astronomical treatise, Surya Siddhanta, dating back to the Gupta era, also mentions the number 108. Buddhist temples often feature 108 steps, symbolizing the concept of 108 defilements. Even the moving meditation practice of Tai Chi incorporates 108 moves.

The Essence of 108 Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is a comprehensive sequence that engages the entire body while incorporating proper breathing techniques. Attempting or completing 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar requires you to embrace all the elements of yoga mentioned earlier in this blog. In today's context, many people perceive yoga as primarily focused on asanas, with a bit of breathing and meditation. However, our breath serves as the foundation for consciousness and awareness. It is essential to align your posture with your breath, as constrained postures can restrict your breath. By practicing 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar, you can enhance your strength, stamina, alleviate anxiety, achieve self-realization, and experience a sense of accomplishment.

Practicing 108 Surya Namaskar: How to Begin?

In traditional Hatha yoga, practitioners typically perform the Surya Namaskar sequence thrice daily, varying the pace each time. Before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to have a plan and approach it gradually. Start with three rounds and gradually increase by three or five rounds, depending on how you feel. It may take months to reach 108, but remember that you are building stamina and strength, which will stay with you in the long run. Ensure your practice is comfortable, and your breath remains steady and uniform throughout. Focus more on the alignment of your postures rather than solely on the number of repetitions. Allow your body enough time to rest and recover between practice days. Understand the purpose behind each posture and set intentions for your practice each day, as this helps you connect with your inner self and the essence of yoga (union).

Is 108 Surya Namaskar Suitable for You?

Our bodies are truly magical and evolve alongside us. They respond to what we believe and how we have cared for them over the years. Consider your food choices and lifestyle as integral parts of the bigger picture. When you embark on the journey of practicing the sequence to reach 108, you must also make modifications to your lifestyle. This practice can be physically demanding and challenging to your mind, requiring both to work together to complete it. Individuals with a history of illness, fluctuating blood pressure, or extreme mood swings should exercise caution while attempting 108 Surya Namaskar. Always practice under the guidance of a yoga teacher for safety and to leave the mat feeling refreshed. Remember, yoga is not merely a workout; our intention extends beyond burning calories. We seek to improve focus, balance, awareness, strength, and stamina, and open up our chakras.

There is much more to explore on each topic covered here, and I will delve into them in-depth in my upcoming blogs. 

Thank you for being here and taking the time to understand the essence of yoga. 

Peace, Abi.