Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is one of the most important yoga practices in connecting our body and spirit. It makes the body stronger by setting up twelve asanas in a sequence while waking up and balancing the seven chakras- energy centers in us. Doing Surya Namaskar creates a strong link with the Sun, which is the primary source of energy and life. Let’s look at how this important practice influences the chakras and helps create a spiritual connection with the Sun.
Understanding the Chakras
The chakras are energy points located along the spine. Each one controls different physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of us. There are seven main chakras:
Muladhara (Root Chakra): This chakra is at the bottom of the spine. It relates to stability, safety, and being grounded.
Swadhisthana (Sacral Chakra): This chakra is below the belly button. It deals with creativity, pleasure, and emotions.
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra): This chakra is in the upper stomach. It controls confidence, willpower, and self-esteem.
Anahata (Heart Chakra): This chakra is in the chest. It stands for love, compassion, and connection.
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra): This chakra is in the throat. It manages communication and self-expression.
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra): This chakra is between the eyebrows. It is the center of intuition and insight.
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra): It lies at the top of the head and symbolizes the awakening of the spirit, a connection to the divine.
Connecting to the Sun with Surya Namaskar
In yoga, the Sun is considered to be the primary source of energy and inspiration. Surya Namaskar is a practice that is more than just a workout; it’s a way to meditate and pay respect to the Sun. Here’s how the practice builds that connection:
Recognizing the Sun’s Important Role: Surya Namaskar starts by thinking about the Sun as the source of life. The Sanskrit words said with each pose (like “Om Mitraya Namah”) show thankfulness to the Sun.
Taking in Sun Energy: Doing Surya Namaskar at sunrise lets people take in the Sun’s rays, which are full of Vitamin D and help improve overall health.
This practice will help one’s internal body clock fall in harmony with the rhythms of the Sun, furthering the development of body and mind health.
Cultivating Spiritual Consciousness: The flowing motion of Surya Namaskar, along with conscious breath, is a meditative state that deepens the sensation of oneness with the cosmos and the Sun.
Surya Namaskar and Chakra Activation
Each of the Surya Namaskar poses activates the chakras in a specific manner. Here’s how that sequence works:
Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Activates Anahata (Heart Chakra), opens up your heart to good energy and fills it with gratitude.
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): It activates Vishuddha, or Throat Chakra, and opens the chest for self-expression.
Padahastasana (Hand-to-Foot Pose): Balances the Muladhara, the root chakra, by grounding and steadying the energy.
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): This pose opens the Swadhisthana (Sacral Chakra), which helps with creativity and emotional flow.
Dandasana (Plank Pose): This pose strengthens the Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra), boosting confidence and inner strength.
Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight Limbs Pose): This pose aligns many chakras, balancing the body’s energy flow.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This pose stimulates the Anahata (Heart Chakra) and Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), encouraging love and intuition.
By practicing Surya Namaskar, the whole chakra system gets aligned, which helps in physical energy and emotional balance.
Each pose keeps working to activate and balance the matching chakras as the sequence goes on.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose): Balances the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) by improving blood flow and focus.
Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Beyond chakra activation and solar connection, Surya Namaskar offers numerous physical and mental benefits:
Physical Health: Improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and enhances cardiovascular health.
Mental Clarity: Reduces stress and fosters focus through synchronized breath and movement.
Emotional Balance: Promotes a sense of inner peace by harmonizing energy flow.
Conclusion
Surya Namaskar is a deep practice that goes beyond the realm of physical exercise. It presents a way to spiritual awakening and universal connection. When the chakras are harmonized and one deeply relates with the Sun, then it empowers people to live with vitality, balance, and gratitude. Embark on the transformative power of Surya Namaskar and let it light your journey toward holistic well-being.
