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The tradition of 108 sun salutations is typically performed upon the change of seasons: Winter & Summer Solstice & Spring & Fall Equinox. It’s an offering to yourself & the community that participates alongside you. A sun salutation is simply a salute to the sun; it’s a way to greet the day, practice gratitude, get your blood flowing & create some beautiful prana. The sequence involves 9 postures that are linked by the breath – inhaling & exhaling with each movement. Like many religions & beliefs, this a form of cleansing, wiping the slate clean, renewing oneself, or preparing for a new period of life. Traditional malas, or garlands of prayer beads, come as a string of 108 beads - plus one guru bead which the other beads turn like planets around the sun. A mala is used for counting as you repeat a sacred mantra. So the 108 sun salutations, to yoga teachers, are like prayers through motion.The Winter Solstice symbolizes death & rebirth - new beginnings & fresh starts.
The number 108 is sacred & significant in many ways, appearing in many disciplines from astronomy to religion to yoga.
The number 108 appears in the ancient yogic texts. There are 108 Upanishads & 108 Tantras. Mala bead necklaces used to count in meditation, traditionally have 108 beads.
In Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, there are 108 sacred points on the body.
Christian rosaries are made up of 54 beads (2 rounds make 108).
The diameter of Stonehenge, which is associated with Druidry, is 108 feet.
In Astronomy, the distance between the Sun & Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter. The distance from the sun to the earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun. The distance of the moon from the earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
In mathematical terms, 108 is also a natural division of circle into a pentagram, where the circle symbolizes eternity & infinity & the cycles of life & nature, while the circle touching all five points indicates that earth, water, fire, air & spirit are all connected.
There are many representations of the number 108 & many interpretations of the significance of 108, but what will be more real to you is what it means to you.
It is believed that the internal heat that you build during this practice is cleansing, detoxifying & gets you more in touch with yourself. There are many physical & internal benefits to practicing 108 Sun Salutations.
This special practice helps move Energy. Sun Salutations heat the body & activate Prana, or upward energy.
During 108 Sun Salutations, you will at some point think, “Why did I commit to doing this?” If you keep going, you will find a state of ease & even a sense of flow. You will surrender to the process, acknowledge what arises emotionally, then let it go. When you finish, you will feel lighter & find your own personal meaning in this ancient ritual.
As you take on this challenge of 108 Sun Salutations here are a few things to consider that will allow you to be more successful; 1) Set an intention, mantra, resolution & focus on that & your breath as you flow through your salutations. 2) If you are newer to this practice, modify your Sun Salutations to either half salutes or move slower. 3) Set up a counting method. Traditionally, 10 beads or seeds are used at the top of the mat, & each time around has been completed that bead is moved from one side of the mat to the other to keep track of the rounds completed. 4) Enjoy the physical & mental challenge for all it holds for you!
This class will be held in TWP on Sunday 12/21 at 10am. Please BYO mat, towel, water & pre register!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Laughing Buddha Hot Yoga (Washington Township), 279 Egg Harbor Road,Washington Township,NJ,United States
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