The sequence of rhythmic postures: the

Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskāra is a dynamic sequence of postures; it is a ritual in
honor of the rising sun. This prepares the postural work that gives warmth to the body, the
heart and soul.

Originally, the Sun Salutation is a ritual, a morning prayer, in honor of the rising sun.

“Surya” (sun) and “Namaskara” (salutation), and “prostration” are Sanskrit terms. This dynamic
sequence of postures is native to Iran; it arrived in India with the Parsi, who consider the Sun
Salutation as a religious duty.

The sun salutation is used in the Ashtanga Yoga

The notorious Mysore salutations, called “A” & “B” have been transmitted by Sri
Krishnamacharya & Sri Pattabhi Jois. These greetings serve as a transition between postures
and as a postural preparation.

Surya Namaskāra A :

Tadāsana, Uttanāsana A, Uttanāsana B, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha

Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanāsana, Uttanāsana B, Uttanāsana A,
Tadāsana, Samasthiti
.

Surya Namaskāra B :

Tadāsana, Utkatâsana, Uttanāsana A, Uttanāsana B, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha

Svanâsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanâsana, Vīrabhadrāsana A, Chaturanga
Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanâsana,
Vīrabhadrāsana A, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana,
Adhomukha Svanâsana, Uttanāsana B, Uttanāsana A, Utkatâsana, Samasthitiḥ.

There is therefore always a movement during which we inhale followed by one during which we
exhale.
Benefits of practicing Surya Namaskāra (The Sun Salutation)

Regular rhythmic practice (every day) will gradually provide you with perfect health:

 It softens and strengthens the muscles of the body

 It activates intestinal regulation by increasing digestive fire
 It purifies and develops the lungs and heart

Surya Namaskāra will help you develop willpower, stamina, mental strength; all of them are
qualities that are essential to achieve the goal of Yoga. It is a meditation in action.

All yoga practitioners know the Sun Salutation

Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and other Yoga methods use the Salutation.

This is “the” Yoga technique that uses the cardiovascular system. It provides heat and
considerable energy..

Other forms of salutations according to traditions

There are Buddhist or Muslim salutations, the Tibetan prostrations (“The Five Tibetans”). In
India there is the Raja Aundh salutation, originating from Sivananda.

Finally, less known, is the Moon Salutation used in the Tantric tradition (Chandra Namaskara)