Surya Namaskar

One simple series of yogic postures you can practice is called the surya namaskar (salutations to the sun) . The practice takes ten to fifteen minutes. There are many good books and classes on surya namaskar and other yogic postures; the instructions will not be reproduced here.

Try to chant the following mantras when you practice the surya namaskar.

Hold both palms before your eyes, and chant the following mantra for the sun deity:

Hiranmayena Patrena Satyasapihitam Mukham
Tattvam Pushannapavrinu Satyadharmaya Drishtaye

Then, with each consecutive step of the surya namaskar, chant the corresponding mantra: 1. Om Hram Mitraya Namah 2. Om Hrim Ravaye Namah 3. Om Hrum Suryaye Namah 4. Om Hraim Bhanave Namah 5. Om Hraum Khagaya Namah 6. Om Hrah Pushane Namah 7. Om Hram Hiranyagarbhaya Namah 8. Om Hrim Marechaye Namah 9. Om Hrum Adityaya Namah 10. Om Hraim Savitre Namah 11. Om Hraum Arkaya Namah 12. Om Hrah Bhaskaraya Namah

Daily practice of yogic postures or surya namaskar is very good for your health and spiritual practice. Lack of proper exercise is the cause of many of today's illnesses.