History of Surya Namaskar
- The practice of Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, has a long history in India and is believed to have originated as a way to honor and worship the sun, which is considered a powerful symbol of life and energy.
- The exact origin of Surya Namaskar is not clear, as the practice has evolved over time and has been influenced by different traditions and cultures. Some historians trace the roots of Surya Namaskar back to the Vedic period, which began around 1500 BCE, and was characterized by the worship of various deities, including the sun.
- In the early centuries CE, the practice of yoga became more prevalent in India, and Surya Namaskar became an integral part of the yogic tradition. Over time, different schools of yoga developed their own variations of the Sun Salutation sequence, each emphasizing different aspects of the practice.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Surya Namaskar began to attract attention outside of India, as Westerners became interested in yoga and the spiritual teachings of India. The practice was popularized by yoga masters such as T. Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Swami Sivananda Saraswati, who developed their own variations of the Sun Salutation sequence and incorporated it into their teachings.
- Today, Surya Namaskar is widely practiced around the world as a way to connect with the sun, energize the body, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony. The practice is often used as a warm-up sequence in yoga classes, but can also be practiced as a standalone sequence for its many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
History of Ashtanga surya Namaskar
- It is important to note that the term “Astanga Surya Namaskar” can refer to different practices, depending on the context and the tradition. In some schools of yoga, it refers to a specific sequence of Sun Salutations that is similar to the Surya Namaskar A and B sequences in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, while in others it may refer to a different sequence or approach.
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a style of yoga that was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, based on the teachings of his guru, Sri T. Krishnamacharya. The practice consists of a specific sequence of postures, or asanas, that are linked together by a series of flowing movements and breath, known as vinyasa.
- In the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga tradition, Surya Namaskar A and B are an integral part of the practice, and are performed at the beginning of each practice session as a warm-up sequence. Surya Namaskar A consists of 9 postures, while Surya Namaskar B adds 3 additional postures, including Warrior I, Warrior II, and Extended Side Angle Pose.
- The history of Ashtanga Surya Namaskar can be traced back to the ancient texts of yoga, which describe the practice of Surya Namaskar as a way to honor and connect with the sun, and to purify the body and mind. However, the specific sequence and approach of Ashtanga Surya Namaskar as practiced today was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his students in the 20th century, and has since been widely taught and practiced around the world as a powerful and transformative yoga practice.