Ah. The warmth of spring is leading to the heat of summer, so the desire to be outdoors, and on holiday, is strong!
Here at Manduka, June 21 marks a special time on our calendar to celebrate not only the summer solstice but also the International Day of Yoga. It is not coincidental that they share the same date—the sun, as the energy source for life, which gives warmth and light and power, represents the Divine in Hinduism. Surya is the god of the sun, creator of the universe and for long, a primary deity.
A series of poses, or flow, the Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation, is a common sequence in yoga today, although the exact origins are vague. The Sun Salutation is a way to celebrate warmth and ignite a fire within, a purification ritual that is both an energetic cleansing and a refinement of the self. There are several variations of Sun Salutations deriving from different yoga traditions, and each individual practitioner may modify poses to suit their needs and requirements, yet the benefits are many, from improved flexibility to boosting energy and reducing stress through rhythmic breathing and movement.
In Hinduism, 108 is a sacred number for many reasons. Yoga Journal, in its article “What’s So Sacred About the Number 108?”, cites 108 sacred sites or Pithas in India, 108 sacred texts or Upanishads, and 108 Marma points on the body, junctures where two or more types of tissue meet. Even the Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters, each in masculine and feminine energies—54 x 2 = 108. Consequently, 108 sun salutations have long been used as a sacred, meditative practice to mark the changing of the seasons and many modern yogis continue to gather on the 21st of June to carry on the yogic tradition.
While your guests may not attempt all 108, the Sun Salutation is a common flow for people during a yoga session or they may complete a cycle as a meditative recharge at any time of the day. Extra support for Sun Salutations can come in the form of straps which can be used to deepen stretches, and blocks, which may ease straining. Straps and blocks also help with alignment and function to modify poses for people who may be dealing with an injury.
These multifunctional props are common add-ons for yogis and because they have a small footprint, are easy to store in the studio, where space may be an issue. Manduka has a full range of accessories to complement the assortment of performance mats, and we can help guide you in selecting the right props for your guests.
See the full offering of Manduka yoga equipment here…
