Mona: If yoga is hot today, hotter are those practicing this ancient tradition. Celebs from both East, where it originated, to West, where it flourished, swear by the innumerable gains this practice offers. The likes of Madonna, Demi Moore, Vanessa Hudgens, Ricky Martin to Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Anil Kapoor don’t feel shy of flaunting their love for yoga. But looks like, here in the very land of its origin, we have to follow restraint while choosing what to practice and/or propagate this very vast science. Surya Namaskar is one asana that not only flexes all your muscles but also gives tremendous physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits. Yet, this June 21 as we lead the world on International Yoga Day from Rajpath, we are probably dropping one of the most popular exercises, Surya Namaskar, because some section of society has raised objections to it. Nevertheless, the yoga gurus continue to hail tremendous benefits that the sun salutation offers.
Wholesome health: Anil Juneja, PhD in yoga and its practitioner for the last 17 years, calls this rhythmic exercise a full body workout that flushes away toxins. “While some exercises help you build strength or flexibility or stamina, in Surya Namskar you get all these and more,” says Anil, citing Bhunjagasana that stretches abdomen getting exercise even for internal body organs. “Combining asanas in this particular movement increases the overall gain to the individual practicing it and mind you, it regulates gland secretions ensuring one’s emotional well being too,” adds Sandeep Sharma, who teaches yoga to Ashiana Children’s Home, Sector 16 Panchkula. Shameem Akhtar, a yogacharya trained in Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, refers to Swami Satyananda’s book that solely deals with Surya Namskar and it being a complete mind and body cleanser and work out. To drive home the point, she shares, “It powers the drainage system of the entire body, for example the lymphatic system. Among kids it can delay puberty which is very important to ensure that both mind and body mature together. This is just one tiny example.”
Beyond religious confine: While yoga can mean different things to different people, the yoga experts we talked to agree that Surya Namaskar is one of its very powerful tools. “Surya Namaskar is the soul of yoga,” says Anil Juneja who feels saddened that such a mega international move that could bring health benefits to so many is embroiled in a mindless controversy. “Yoga doesn’t belong to any religion. You wouldn’t ever find a yoga teacher who would want you to convert from being a Christian or a Muslim to Hindu to learn the practice.” Seconds Sandeep Sharma, “What’s the big deal about bowing to the sun? Sun rises for all, irrespective of one’s caste or creed.” While some schools of yoga do not use Surya Namaskar at all, some do only that as a complete practice. “Yoga is very accommodating that way and is open to different interpretations. Even some classical and traditional yoga schools may not include it for it is like an aerobic exercise so may not suit the very frail or those with severe lower back or knee problems,” says Shameem Akhtar. She wants the practice to reach one and all overcoming unnecessary politicisation of yoga. Kimaaya, Founder, CLK Dance Institute, Delhi, agrees that there are number of yoga asanas that offer more or less equal gains but recommends Surya Namskar to those with little time on hand and looking at quick results. “Just 50 asanas for a healthy adult a day is enough to keep a fit body and mind!
mona@tribunemail.com. Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/
