108 Sun Salutations

What is the meaning of 108 Sun Salutations?

Often used as a warm-up to a yoga practice surya namaskar is a dynamic asana
sequence of 12 positions performed as one continuous flow. Taken on a
physical level, it can be said that surya namaskar contains an entire
practice in itself. The sequence comprises a wide range of movements such as
forward bend, back-bend, stretching the hamstrings, lengthening the body,
grounding the feet, opening the hips and strengthening the back. Combined
together with conscious breathing and the proper drishti, the practice
allows us to centre ourselves and still the wandering mind.

Surya means "Sun" and namaskar comes from the root word namah which means
"not mine". The practice can also be used as an upasana to the sun. As we
reflect on the significance of the sun, we are reminded that the sun is the
illuminator of our world, that it is our primary source of heat and the
giver of life. Hence, as Alain Danielou writes in The Myths and Gods of
India, it contains "the potentiality of all that is to be known". As we
realize that since we are also part of this entire cosmic creation, we
surrender our individual Ego to the greater force that is responsible for
our being alive. Each round of sun salutation begins and ends with anjali
mudra, the joined palms touching the middle of the sternum, we duly offer
all that we are and do (not mine) to that force behind the sun. We become
aware that within each of us, there is an "inner sun" corresponding to our
own spiritual heart.

When performed with due awareness at dawn, facing the rising sun, together
with the surya mantras, the entire practice can bring us mental focus, deep
reflection and access to an internal stillness.

There is a special significance to 108 in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
For instance, there are 108 beads in the mala of both traditions; there are
54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet and each has masculine and feminine,
totaling 108; 1 stands for Higher Truth, 0 stands for Emptiness and 8 stands
for Infinity.

Here, at Oasis Holistic we have a tradition of dedicating the practice to those in special need. This year, we take up a collection for the Katong Special School (in June) and Karuna Home for Disabled Children (in December). We invite you to come and join this very special practice by bringing along your yoga mats or sponsoring someone practising with us.

Date: 18 June 2006 (Sunday)
Time: 8.45am

Donations will go to Katong Special School for their equipment purchase needs.

Date: 10 December 2006 (Sunday)
Time: 8.45am

Donations will go to Karuna Home for Disabled Children for their operational needs.

Venue:
Oasis Holistic
Block 10 Selegie Road #01-50,
Selegie House
Singapore 180010

Phone: (65) 64422881
email: info@oasisholistic.com
web: http://www.oasisholistic.com