Last Saturday, we got together with some special people to do 108 sun salutations to mark the summer solstice. It was an intense mental and physical challenge but left us invigorated and very connected to our practice - apart from almost entering a meditative state while doing repetitive movements, it was also an excellent lesson in tapas (one of niyamas, personal disciplines, of yoga) - to work hard and have will power.
It's been a long-standing tradition to practice 108 sun salutations for the change of seasons, so usually around summer and winter solstice, as well as spring and autumn equinox). Sun salutations, or as they're called in Sanskrit 'Surya Namaskar', are typically practiced to usher in a new day and literally salute the sun. But the transcendental meaning of 'greeting the sun' and 'celebrating a new day' can be applied to seasonal changes as well. At spring and autumn equinox, the day and night are of equal length - while spring symbolises rebirth and new beginnings with more daylight and nature coming back to life, autumn can signify grounding and cherishing the sun before winter begins. Equally, summer solstice is a perfect occasion to celebrate the sun's life-giving qualities as daylight hours are at their peak. At winter solstice, we celebrate the (slow) onset of longer days and contemplate death and rebirth (again, nature slowly comes back to life after having gone into hibernation in winter).
108 is a sacred number in yoga and Hinduism.
It is said that there are 108 energy channels (nadis) running to and from the heart chakra (anahata)
In Buddhism, japa mala (prayer beads) are used for mantra chanting and prayer. Buddhist malas usually have 108 malas
There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. If we count both feminine and masculine letters, there are 108 in total.
Our experience of doing 108 Surya Namaskar
At some point, you will hit a brick wall...and knock right through it
By the end of it (and the days after), we were shattered. Our hamstrings were on fire and lifting our arms up over head was a serious challenge. However, knowing we found the strength to get through it was incredibly rewarding, especially because you do get certain moments when you think "Why am I doing this, I'm tired?". Your body gets tired and your monkey mind starts distracting you with thoughts like "does it matter if I only do 104?!' However, listening to your breath and trying not to get distracted by thoughts will carry you through and help you enter a state of flow.
Your breath will carry you through
There's no better way to experience matching breath with movement than with Surya Namaskar. 'Inhale - Urdhva Hastasana; Exhale - Uttanasa...' becomes a moving meditation after a few repetitions. Although it helps having someone call out the asanas, motivate you, and most importantly keep count, after a while, movements flow with the breath and you're able to turn your attention and focus inward.
It is a rollercoaster of emotions
When we started, we were all a bit scared. By round 20, we were tired. Towards the last quarter of the practice, we had moments of flashing frustration and anger that there were still so many rounds left. And yet, the overall experience was one of tremendous joy and feeling connected to the people around us for bringing the positive energy.
You will feel invigorated
Although you will feel tired, you will feel a tremendous surge in energy the days after the practice. At the end of the day, after doing 108 sun salutations, everything else seems life throws at us seems like a piece of cake.
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