The tradition of practicing 108 Sun Salutations in a row is something that may seem like an extreme new fad designed by yoga studios to get you into a class. Still, it’s actually an ancient tradition with a deeply spiritual meaning.
This practice is related to the Hindu belief that 108 is a holy number. There are 108 Upanishads, 108 Hindu deities’ names, 108 sacred spots on the body (marma-points), and 108 sites of worship in India (pithas).
The last one may seem unrelated, but it is important to remember that 108 Sun Salutations are performed on the equinoxes of each year and the solstices of two years. This practice celebrates the changing seasons.
This cleansing, challenging tradition may only be offered by your studio at the spring equinox. Western cultures tend to practice this cleansing tradition at the equinox, but you can practice it any time.
The number of beads in a mala is 108. A mala is a garland made of Hindu prayer beads. A person holds the mala and touches each bead while repeating mantras for a spiritually deepening experience. Yoga mala is a repetitive, meditative yoga practice. This concept underlies 108 salutations.
Our free 30-Day Yoga Challenge will guide you through this sequence and improve your focus and strength. As you progress in your practice, this sequence will provide both physical and mental benefits.
There are some useful tips to help you get through the 108 Sun Salutations
The practice can last anywhere between 50 minutes and several hours, depending on how fast you move and how many breaks you take. Here are some tips to help you get through your first 108 Sun Salutations!
Work up to it.
If you are not used to long practices or repetitive motions, or if you are new to yoga, I recommend that you try different Sun Salutations in varying lengths before attempting 108.
Start with 20 consecutive poses, perhaps before or after your yoga class. Then, work your way up to 40 or even 60. This will help you to be physically ready and get the most from your first 108. However, it won’t diminish the achievement of completing the entire 108 the first time.
It would be best if you also familiarize yourself before the event with the format for a Sun Salutation, which is also known as Surya Namaskara. This will allow you to know if any adjustments are needed or if you have anything specific you would like to focus on.
Note: Depending on the studio you visit, the ‘Sun Salutation” may be Surya Namaskara (A) or Surya Namaskara (B). Check with your instructor to find out what they will be practicing on that day!
Hydrate!
The day before a Hot Yoga class or any other important event that requires exercise, it is important to hydrate. Water consumption on the day of the course is not very effective. However, ensuring that you have consumed enough water before the system will ensure that your muscles, circulation, and energy levels are at their best.
Bring a small water bottle with you to sip. But don’t drink too much, as it can make you feel sluggish and slow you down.
Enjoy Breaks
Every so often, take a break to ensure your safety. Sun Salutations are a series of up-and-down movements, and they’re usually performed in the early morning. This can make it easy to feel lightheaded. Listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded, take a break in the child’s pose.
In this pose, you can also focus on the gratitude and humility of your practice and reconnect with your intentions. Speaking of which…
Hold on to Your Mantra
You can also use it as a mala for your entire body, which I have already mentioned. This means that with every Sun Salutation you do, you are moving with intent, whether it’s a single word, phrase, or feeling.
You can focus your attention on inhaling joy and gratitude while exhaling jealousy and hatred. There are many options, and finding the right thing to focus on is a powerful healing experience. Focus on your mantra with your breath and let it fill your mind as you move.
In a repetitive yoga practice, it is easy to become distracted. It’s, therefore, a challenge to remain focused and meditate throughout. You don’t have to worry about the next asana or a transition because you are doing the same pose over and over. This allows you to focus on your breath, your mantra, and your body.
After a while, take some time to relax.
You may need to relax, both physically and mentally, after the practice. You may or may be asked to do some wind-down stretching depending on the studio you are in and your instructor. I recommend you do whatever you feel comfortable with, such as passive stretches and Happy Baby, before going into Savasana.
If you don’t, your transition from full-body movements to meditation will be abrupt or too hot to relax. Instead of returning to the outside world, I recommend finishing with a seated meditative position, even for just a few minutes, so that you can reflect on the experience.
You may also have worked through emotional processing while doing your 108 sun salutations. It is important to check in and see how you are feeling emotionally so that you don’t go outside and discover you’ve triggered an emotional release.
These five tips will hopefully help you prepare for what may seem daunting but can be an incredibly rewarding practice. How did you find the 108 Sun Salutations? Do you have any tips for someone who is just starting? Tell us in the comments section!