Let’s just say I’m not a fan of Sun Salutations. I understand and acknowledge all the great benefits of Sun Salutations, but I really feel they are overused in yoga classes and sequences. It seems they are the glue of the class. I’m not sure how many Sun Salutations are performed in an average yoga class, but one is too many for me. 

First off, let me just clarify the many benefits of Sun Salutations. If you are practicing Sun Salutations, which I prefer to refer to as Surya Namaskar. Surya means “sun” and Namaskar means “worship”. Already I’m happier with this interpretation, who doesn’t worship the sun on some level. I mean really the sun generates heat and light necessary to sustain life. All of the postures in Surya Namaskar correspond to the signs of the zodiac and chakra system. Surya Namaskar is literally a love song to the sun if you include the bijas and mantras. I have been to classes where the bijas and mantras are used as part of the practice, which makes the movements more meaningful and magical.

So my biggest complaint about Sun Salutations is the speed and inaccuracy of the exercise. I like a practice where movements and breath are coordinated and mindful movements are encouraged. Truly, Surya Namaskar is all about coordinating the movements and breath. When this is accomplished the bijas and mantras are added to the practice. In most of the classes, I attend it would be impossible to breathe comfortably at the speed the instructor moves through the movements. So I guess I’m saying you won’t see me in a 108 Summer Solstice Sun Salutation class this year. In fact, I consider this one of the worst interpretations of how to celebrate the Summer Solstice. 

Okay, my friends, if you are gung ho on Sun Salutations for Summer Solstice, please consider trying Surya Namaskar instead with bijas and mantras. Maybe practice outside in the sun to worship and give thanks. Before you attempt to add the bijas and mantras make sure you are breathing properly and inhaling and exhaling with movements. The true benefit of Surya Namaskar is the synchronization of breath to movement. Surya Namaskar has 12 movements so a bija and mantra would be said before each movement. They would be as follows-


      Pranamasana (prayer pose)

      Mantra- Om Hram Mitraya Namah

      Meaning- Mitra (friend)

      Breath- breath normally with full awareness

     Hasta Uttanasana (raised arm pose)

     Mantra- Om Hrim Ravaye Namah

     Meaning- Ravi (shining)

     Breath- inhale 

     Padahastasana (hand to foot pose)

     Mantra- Om Hrum Suryaya Namah

     Meaning- Surya (brilliant light)

     Breath- exhale 

     Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)- stretch right leg back

     Mantra- Om Hraim Bhanave Namah

     Meaning- Bhanu (brilliant)

     Breath- Inhale 

      Parvatasana (mountain/inverted v pose)

      Mantra- Om Hraum Khagaya Namah

      Meaning- Khaga (who moves in the sky)

      Breath- exhale 

      Ashtanga Namaskar (worship with eight points)

      Mantra- Om Hrah Pushne Namah

      Meaning- Pushan (giver of strength) 

      Breath-hold the breath

      Bhujangasana (cobra)

      Mantra- Om Hram Hiranyagarbhaya Namah

      Meaning- Hiranyagarbha (golden centered)

      Breath- inhale 

      Parvatasana (mountain/ inverted v pose)

      Mantra- Om Hrim Marichaye Namah

      Meaning- Mariachi (lord of the dawn)

      Breath- exhale

      Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)- stretch left leg back

       Mantra- Om Hrum Adityaya Namah

       Meaning- Aditya (son of Aditi)

       Breath- inhale

      Padahastasana (hand to foot pose)

      Mantra- Om Hraim Savitre Namah

      Meaning- Savita (beneficent)

      Breath- exhale

      Hasta Uttanasana (raised arm pose)

      Mantra- Om Hraum Arkaya Namah

      Meaning- Arka (energy)

      Breath- inhale

      Pranamasana (prayer pose)

      Mantra- Om Hrah Bhaskaraya Namah

      Meaning- Arka (energy)

      Breath- breath normal

Do this sequence as many times as you wish. I probably won’t be completing 108 Surya Namaskar, but it is definitely on my to-do list for June 21st.

Awareness, my friends,  is the key to Surya Namaskar. So if you are up for a challenge on the Solstice try this sequence with bijas and mantras outside to thank the sun for shining on us and see if it feels different than the Sun Salutation you normally do. 

Namaste and blessings for a wonderful Summer Solstice practice-