Surya asana is a sequence of yoga poses that flow together to create a dynamic and invigorating practice, often performed at the beginning of a yoga session to warm up the body.

It is named in honor of Surya, the Hindu sun god, and is traditionally practiced facing the rising sun.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) Sequence

Here is a step-by-step guide to the most common version of Surya Namaskar A:

1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

   • Stand at the front of your mat with your feet together and your hands at your sides.
   • Inhale and bring your palms together in prayer position (Anjali Mudra) in front of your heart.

2. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute):

   • Inhale and reach your arms up overhead, looking up at your hands.

3. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend):

   • Exhale and fold forward at the hips, bringing your hands to the floor beside your feet. Bend your knees if necessary.

4. Ardha Uttanasana (Halfway Lift):

   • Inhale and lift your torso halfway up, bringing your hands to your shins or fingertips to the floor, with a flat back.

5. Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose):

   • Exhale and step or jump back into a plank position. Lower down into Chaturanga, keeping your elbows close to your body.

6. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog):

   • Inhale and press into your palms to lift your chest up, rolling over the tops of your feet so that your thighs lift off the floor.

7. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog):

   • Exhale and lift your hips up and back, coming into Downward-Facing Dog. Hold for five breaths.

8. Ardha Uttanasana (Halfway Lift):

   • Inhale and step or jump your feet forward to your hands, lifting your torso halfway up with a flat back.

9. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend):

   • Exhale and fold forward over your legs.

10. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute):

    • Inhale and sweep your arms up overhead, coming to standing.

11. Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

    • Exhale and bring your hands back to prayer position in front of your heart.

Tips for Practicing Surya Namaskar

• Breath Coordination: Synchronize your breath with each movement, inhaling to extend and lengthen, and exhaling to fold and release.
• Flow Smoothly: Move smoothly from one pose to the next, maintaining a steady and even pace.
• Alignment: Pay attention to your alignment in each pose to prevent injury and ensure a balanced practice.
• Warm-Up: If you're new to yoga or have tight muscles, take time to warm up with gentle stretches before practicing Surya Namaskar.
• Listen to Your Body: Modify the poses as needed to suit your level of flexibility and strength.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar

• Full-Body Workout: Engages and strengthens multiple muscle groups throughout the body.
• Increases Flexibility: Stretches and lengthens the muscles, improving overall flexibility.
• Boosts Energy: Energizes the body and mind, making it a great practice to start the day.
• Enhances Circulation: Promotes better blood circulation, which can benefit the cardiovascular system.
• Mindfulness and Focus: Helps to calm the mind and improve focus through the synchronization of breath and movement.

Practicing Surya arasana regularly can provide a comprehensive workout for the body while promoting mental clarity and focus.

It's a foundational sequence in yoga that offers numerous physical and mental benefits.