The origin of suryanamaskara date far back to the earliest epochs of history, when human beings first became aware of a spiritual power within themselves that is also reflected in the material universe. The awareness is the foundation of yoga. Surya namaskara, meaning ‘saturation to the sun’ can be seen as a form of worship of the sun, and all that it represents on the micro and macrocosmic levels. In yogic terms this indicates that surya namaskara awakens the solar aspects of an individual’s nature and releases this vital energy for the development of the higher awareness. The can be realized by the practice of surya namaskara each morning, as well as being a fine way to pay tribute to source of creation and life, thereby carrying on the solar tradition.

Suryanamaskara is a series of twelve physical postures. These alternation backward and forward bending asanas flex and stretch the spinal column and limbs through their maximum range. The series gives such a profound stretch to the whole of the body that few other forms of exercise can be compared with it.

Most beginners will discover stiffness in their bodies from muscular tension, tightness in the tendons and toxic deposits in the joints. Stiffness, lack of coordination and the tendency to strain can all be overcome through practicing very slowly, with an emphasis on awareness and relaxation in each posture. What little physical effort is applied then appears effortless. Regular practice of surya namaskara is one of the most rapid methods of obtaining a supple body. The practice should be mastered by first becoming familiar with the postures individually and then as a whole. Synchronizing the breath with the movements in the next step. When this is achieved it will be found that the breathing. Sequence complements each posture, and to breathe in any other manner would be awkward and difficult. The basic breathing principle followed is inhalation during backward bending posture due to expansion of the chest, and exhalation with forward bending postures due to compression of the chest and abdomen.