You should organise your event according to your individual location, style, tradition and ability, the most important thing is that you take part, have a positive experience and collect donations for survivors of human trafficking in India. Our tips below are for a 108-sun salutation event to help your event run smoothly.
SUN SALUTATIONS (SURYA NAMASKAR)
These type of events often set a goal for a number of sun salutations. You are welcome to set a goal or just take part in a more casual manner. The number usually undertaken is 108: a sacred number in Hindu, Buddhist, and many other belief systems. The average distance of the sun and the moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. There are also said to be 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra; 108 pithas, or sacred sites in India; and, in astrological traditions, 108 also represents the nine planets. We recommend that if you wish to set a goal for your event you do however many surya namaskar you can manage comfortably, or in divisions of 108 (54, 27, 9, etc.) according to your ability. There are no prizes for the most number of sun salutations!
KEEPING COUNT
At the Mysore event in India, the surya namaskar will be led by the Odanadi children, and counted on the podium using a big flip chart. You can count the number of sun salutations this way too. Other options include using stones or dried beans as counters.
TIME REQUIRED
To complete the full 108 surya namaskar takes an estimated 2.5 hours. You could save time by reducing the number of breaths in down dog – from five to three, for example.
CLOTHING
Make sure you and your participants are comfortable, wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and take regular breaks if need be.
SHARE YOUR DAY!
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