Surya Namaskar
Salutation to the Sun
Salutation to the Sun is a graceful sequence of twelve âsanas performed as one continuous exercise. Each position counteracts the one before, stretching the body in a different way and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the breathing. Practiced daily, it will bring great flexibility to your spine and joints and trim your waist. It limbers up the whole body in preparation for other âsanas.
Salutation to the Sun
Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the
Realities of your existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is only a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
Every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day.
-From the Sanskrit
- Tadasana (Mountain pose)
- Urdhva Hastattanasana (Stretch up)
- Anuvittasana (Bend back, head forward)
- Uttanasana (Toe touch)
- Ardha Mandalasana (Horse)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward dog)
- Kumbhakasana (Plank)
- Astang Pranamasana (Caterpillar)
- Urdhva Muka Svanasana (Up dog)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down dog)
- Ardha Mandalasana (Horse - opposite leg)
- Uttanasana (Toe touch)
- Urdhva Hastattanasana (Stretch up)
- Anuvittasana (Bend back, arms open)
- Tadasana (Namasté)