By Atul Vyas
“Surya the Sun is the master of that Supreme truth – the truth of being, the truth of knowledge, the truth of process and act and movement and functioning. So Sun is God,” Sri Aurobindo wrote in his book the ‘mystic fire’.
Another famous saint, Swami Vishudhanand Saraswati propounded the science of the Sun and showed the world that through the manipulation of sun rays with a magnifying glass, the atomic arrangement of atoms can be changed. Saraswati never called it a miracle but named it Sun-Science. He demonstrated in front of famous US journalist Paul Branton, how a dead bird can be revived by this solar science.
Sun salutation is the best way to invoke blessings of this powerful Sun God. In Sun salutation there are 12 yogic poses with 12 mantras of the sun. These 12 mantras are considered the 12 aspects of the sun as it traverses the twelve signs of the zodiac.
In these mantras, different virtues and traits of the Sun are brought out and emphasized, during the corresponding twelve solar months. One of the important virtues of the Sun is its healing powers. This has been recognized by various traditions Greek, Jewish, Japanese, etc.
One research in 2009 by Dr. Jeanne Drisko of the USA proved that Sun salutation regulates irregular heart rhythms. Irregular heartbeat is a clear pointer of weak and unwell hearts. Sun salutation regulates and cures this disorder by exerting significant influence on the central, and autonomic nervous systems. Dr. Dean Ornish in his famous researched book used the Sun salutation as a tool to reverse heart diseases without medicines.
Here we are discussing Ashwa Sanchalanasana or Equestrian pose, the fourth pose of Sun salutation. This pose is very important for gaining strength and stamina. Ashwa means horse, and Horse is a symbol of strength and power.
Technique
- Place the hands on the floor beside the feet
- Bend the left knee; Keep the left foot on the floor as it is
- Stretch the right leg back as far as is comfortable
- Grasp the floor with toes
- Head should be tilted backward with back arched
- Hands should be straight and placed by the side
- Focus awareness at the center of the eyebrows at Agya-chakra
- Breathing normal
Benefits
- Balances earth element in the body
- Good for stretching hamstrings
- Fosters mobility of ankle joints and improves posture
- Stretching of the lower back, hip, and calf muscles
- Opening the hip flexors and strengthening the hip extensors
- Relaxing back muscles
- Easing sciatica pain
- Engaging deep core muscles
- Improving balance and creating stability
(He likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist”. He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained many top Hollywood, and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many top Yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga Guru of India.)
