According to Sadhguru, yoga is the practice of aligning your system with the cosmic geometry. If you just master one basic asana, your system will be aligned with the cosmic system.
Why is 108 so significant in the East? The distance between the Sun and the Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun's diameter. The distance between the Moon and the Earth is roughly 108 times the Moon's diameter.
Don't believe me? I crunched the numbers:
Sun Diameter: 864,938 miles x 108 = 93,413,304 miles
Moon Diameter: 2,159 miles x 108 = 233,172 miles
*the above photo based on my bing search 04/01/2020*
Where else does 108 come up in yoga and the East?
The vedic mathematicians associated the number 108 with purna, fullness, in which all things come from, all things return to and all things exist.
In yogic lore there are 108 gods and demons, 54 of each, battling one another as light and darkness as well as 108 Puranas, ancient Sanskrit writings on Hindu mythology dating around 400 B.C.E.
In Chinese astrology, there are 108 stars.
In yogic tradition, there are said to be 108 pithas, sacred sites in India.
There are 108 Upanishads, a collection of ancient religious and philosophical texts from around 800 B.C.E.
Our breath work, pranayama, in yoga is completed in cycles of 108.
There are 54 letters in Sanskrit, each masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) which total 108.
* The above list was mostly supplied by: Britt B. Steele Watch her video to learn more about where else 108 appears in the world!*
The Challenge: As I have learned more and more about the significance of 108, my main practice of 108 Sun Salutations has been to align, heal and re-energize my chakras. While I do not always complete 108, the challenge is not always to finish, it is to move deeper inside.
Simply: Honor. Witness. Reflect.
"Yesterday I was so clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." - Rumi
There are many reasons to practice 108 Sun Salutations. On the surface, it can be a very invigorating cardiovascular workout as you link breath with motion and move continuously throughout the asanas, which is physically challenging. And believe me, your hamstrings and arms will feel it the next day.
Traditionally, 108 Sun Salutations are reserved for the change in the seasons as Spring and Winter represents a time of rebirth/death, respectively and renewal; Fall represents a time to ground oneself and look within before winter; and, Summer is a time of celebration where things are bright and in bloom and the sun provides us with more energetic and vibrant vibes.
Others practice 108 Sun Salutations to celebrate big life changes and challenges like the birth of a new born or a marriage, so that one can embrace the positive energy and accept the challenges that may be faced.
But, here are some of the other reasons to practice:
108 Sun Salutations - The Why
The tapas, fiery self-discipline and heat, that is generated in movement is cleansing, purifying and detoxifying.
You will be able to fully connect with your breath, pranayama and maybe understand the significance of connecting breath with movement.
Helps you move stuck or stagnant prana, energy throughout the body. You are fully able to let go of things that no longer serve you and release negative energy through your breath.
You are challenged physically, but more importantly mentally and emotionally. As I mentioned before, sometimes I complete the 108 and sometimes I do not, but I learn each practice. The lessons may be in metal strength or it may be in surrendering and letting go; either way, there is a sense of balance to be experienced.
Work on the power of a mantra - "I am strong", "I am wise", "I am beautiful", "I am" - So hum or whatever resonates with you. A mantra enables you to focus on the positive aspects of your practice and the movement at hand. It enables you to center yourself and focus on the present time and space on your mat.
You will feel more centered and grounded as you fully embrace the repetition and flow with your breath. As a result, you will discover what guides you to complete your practice; your intention. It is a way to connect with your third eye center, your guiding force and intuition.
You allow yourself the time and energy to fully focus and devote to yourself. You will finally be able to embrace and enjoy your savasana as there is no class afterwards. It will be the most important posture as it will allow you to slow down and reflect on your practice.
The euphoric post-yoga feels. There is no description for this feeling, but you know what I am referring to after you step off your mat; your vibration is raised and your heart is more open and vulnerable (in a good way). You are truly happy.
Most importantly, you will be more in tune with your body and accept where you are today, tomorrow and the next with no comparison and no judgement.
Below is a picture from today, when I completed my 108 Sun Salutations. It is just a little insight into how I keep track of 108 without getting too confused!
I break up the 108 Sun Salutations into 9 sets of 12 and further break each set of 12 into 4 sets of 3, where I alternate which foot begins each set.
If I get lost, I always know that my right foot is an odd number and my left, is even .. so I have a rough idea where I am.
I try to check off after each set of 12 is complete but I will sometimes check each mini set of 3, if I feel I need a little boost. I try to give myself a break every third set of 12 or so as I need it or not .. I like to write down thoughts or just take a moment to REFLECT. Feel free to mimic or create your own journal-ing effort during your Sun Salutations.
Regardless of the reasons and goals for why you aim to complete 108 Sun Salutations, I wish you all the light and love for your practice. Please share your reflections and the reason you stepped on your mat as I would love to read about your journey and learn new reasons why 108 Sun Salutations is so special.
All my light and love, Namaste.
"Once it is aligned, everything you need to know about the cosmos is right here." - Sadhguru
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