The Sun Salutations of Ashtanga YogaThe sun salutations or Surya Namaskara are a fundamental component of the yoga tradition. Each surya namaskara contains a set of postures (asanas) that are linked together in a smooth flow of movement syncronized with the breath. This alone can form a short yoga practice, and when done consistently, with sincerity, the health benefits are tremendous! Often after a single practice the practitioner feels a surge in vitality and an increased sense of inner peace and accomplishment. 
"Surya Namaskara A" starts gently, allowing the practitioner time to focus the mind on breathing, and the development core awareness (mula bandha).To download a copy of Surya Namaskara just click on the picture to get to the AYC downloads page.
"Surya Namaskara B" becomes a little more vigorous and weaves the warrior postures into a flowing sequence with the breath. The added movement increases the physical heat in the body creating an ideal environment for the following asanas. "The Surya Namaskara are necessary to the practice of yoga, as they help gather the strength of the mind in one direction and aid in the attainment of mental focus. Without bringing the mind to a state in which it can push the body through the various stages of yoga practice, say texts of old, students cannot be certain to avoid injury." "... without its focusing of mental energies, yoga practice amounts to little more than mental gymnastics and, as such, loses meaning and proves fruitless."
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Surya Namaskara Return from the Sun Salutations to the AYC home page.
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