Would you do 108 Sun Salutations?
Practicing 108 sun salutations is an accomplishment any yogi can be proud of.
But have you ever wondered why?
Often, yogis practice 108 sun salutations at the change of the seasons (think the spring and fall equinoxes and summer and winter solstices). The change of seasons represents a time of rebirth or new beginnings. When we combine the scared number of 108 with our own body and breath, it allows us to let go of the past and plant the seed for what is to come.
It’s time to rise up yogis, just like the sun.
The Meaning Behind 108
The number 108 is an auspicious number that no one truly knows the meaning behind it. But there are many significances when and where this number appears in our lives and in the world around us.
- In Ayurveda, there are 108 sacred points on the body.
- Mala beads have 108 beads, a count used in meditation or known as a spiritual completion.
- It is said 1 = Sun (creation), 0 = the spirit which protect life, 8 = Saturn (destruction) or the circle of life.
- The distance between the Earth and the sun is 108 times the diameter of the sun.
- It is said a human being is represented with a five-pointed star with a circle around it, and in it is 108 degrees.
- There are 108 energy lines, or nadis, guided out of the heart chakra.
- There are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets, 12 x 9 = 108.
- In ancient yogic texts, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 Tantras.
- Hindu deities have 108 names and India is said to have 108 sacred sites.
- Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps representing 108 steps to enlightenment.
- Sun salutations (12 postures) are traditionally completed in 9 rounds. 12 x 9 = 108.
And this is just to name a few.
The Meaning Behind a Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar
The depth of our traditional asana warm-up goes beyond the physical postures, it’s a way of showing gratitude to our lives, and all that we are blessed with.
Namaskar means “to bow to” or “to adore”, and in this case, the sun. The sun is the very source that gives all living things life.
When we rise up to Mountain Pose (Tadasana), we honor the sun, the heavens, the universe, the unlimited space and opportunity that is above us. When we bow down to a forward fold (Uttanasana), we honor the earth, our stability, our home.
Yes, this opening asana sequence prepares our bodies for practice, but it also prepares our hearts to practice in a space of gratitude.
And that is worth doing 108 times.
3 Powerful Outcomes of Practicing 108 Sun Salutations
So, we know that practicing 108 Sun Salutations represents letting go of the past and preparing for new beginnings all through a practice of gratitude, but there is more that you’ll benefit from by doing this sacred practice.
1. Overcome Fear
108 is a daunting number when you think about how many chaturangas you do (108!). But it is possible. When you find the rhythm of your breath with your body, the number seems to fall away and you become entrenched in a moving meditation. When it’s all done, you’ll see that you were always capable and fear was only a thought in your head, not reality.
2. Discovery of Strength
Drawing in breath with each posture that you do will give your body more strength to keep moving. Prana (breath) literally means life force, it fuels you! Just like when life is challenging, taking a deep breath and continuing on your path will get you through. Keep your calm energy and tap into the strength that is already there.
3. A Reset of your Mind
Completing this challenging task will fill your heart with gratitude and prove that you can do what you set out to do. This alone is the perfect example of why yogis practice 108 Sun Salutations at the change of the seasons, it put ourselves in the mindset that we can grow in this next season with strength and love.
How To Practice 108 Sun Salutations
There is no right or wrong way to practice 108 Sun Salutations. In fact, even if you don’t do 108, your breath and body will still benefit from the practice that you do. Here are a few options for completing your seasonal sacred practice.
Break it into fourths
Perform 27 Sun Salutations with a “break” between each set. Try on a balancing posture, a backbend, or child’s pose to offer any pause your body may need. I find this a great time to reflect on my progress and check-in with myself with how I am doing.
Modify
There is no shame in skipping chatarungas. Hold your high plank as a replacement and then press back into Downward Facing Dog.
Moving Meditation
Some yogis may just go for the whole practice in one swoop, 108 Sun Salutations at once. Power to you if you do! Let your breath guide you and follow your own intuition.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about practicing 108 Sun Salutations, it’s about giving gratitude to your surroundings and planting the seed of love and growth for yourself in the future. You’ll gain physical and mental strength that will power you through a life challenge.
Because if you can do 108, you can do anything.
So, would you do 108 Sun Salutations?
The better question is, why wouldn’t we do 108?
