What is the best way to learn surya namaskar? Should I go to a yoga class? Can I learn it from a book or from a website.
If anyone can suggest a good book or website from where I can learn surya namaskar I would be grateful.
Thanks,
Shiva.
Hi Shiva,
Taking a yoga class may help.
Check this topic though… it may be good enough. I have been doing Surya namaskar for years now… and IMO these instructions are good
Sun Salutation Website
Shanti,
Thanks for the link. The website is very good.
Also I found another website http://www.yogapoint.com/info/sunsalutation.htm when I was searching for surya namaskar instructions on the web. This site also seems to be pretty good. But I noticed that there are a some small differences in the way the postures are described on these sites.
Let me just give one example. In the site that I have quoted for Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Limbs Pose) Position 5 it says that the forehead should be placed on the floor. But on the link that you have provided the picture is shown of a yogi doing this posture with chin touching the floor and forehead up. There are some other differences also.
Which is the right way to do?
Shiva.
I do it with the chin up… that is what I had learnt in my yoga class 20 years back in India…
Actually there are variations of the surya namaskar… and each yoga class will teach it slightly differently. So I think it would be safe for me to say… pick any one you like and follow it…
Maybe the experts can help here Sadhak? David? Victor? Jim?
Just to add a bit more confusion to your already confused mind 
…
This is closest to the one I follow…
http://www.onlinebangalore.com/heal/surya.html
Step #5 and #9 are extra… that I do follow…
however in step #8… my forehead is up.
Shiva, I’d encourage you strongly to learn sun salutation. It’s really a superb exercise.
It can be done at any pace, and when it’s done fast enough, it also gives you aerobic exercise. I do 10-20 minutes of it fast every morning. I believe minute for minute, it’s a far, far superior exercise to running, because it stretches you, exercises far more muscles than running, and does not jar the joints like running does. And of course you can do it indoors, in all weather.
Actually there are variations of the surya namaskar… and each yoga class will teach it slightly differently. So I think it would be safe for me to say… pick any one you like and follow it…
Hi Shivakm,
What Shanti says here is absolutely right. Each school has its variation. Stick with the one that works for you. It is important to observe how your body responds to each asana instead of pushing on regardles. All the best! 
Hello,
You have got me practicing these movements now. I became interested to learn when David mentioned that the Sun Salutation movements are a good excercise. While searching for other instructions, I read the Wikipedia site for Surya Namaskar and am delighted to read that these movements were inspired from the fitness routines of wrestlers to help them get and stay in shape. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya_Namaskara
Anyway, thanks for the inspiration.
Hunter
P.S. For any interested athletes, take a look at this other Wikipedia page for Indian wrestling. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pehlwani
Thank you all for replying back and clarifying my doubts and also for the wonderful insight into the sun salutation technique itself.
As far as I know, the forehead on the ground allows the third eye to be bathed in energy…so it would be a matter of personal choice what result you want to achieve - chin up wouldn’t bathe the third eye.
Amaargi
Shanti,
Thanks for the link. The website is very good.
Also I found another website http://www.yogapoint.com/info/sunsalutation.htm when I was searching for surya namaskar instructions on the web. This site also seems to be pretty good. But I noticed that there are a some small differences in the way the postures are described on these sites.
Let me just give one example. In the site that I have quoted for Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Limbs Pose) Position 5 it says that the forehead should be placed on the floor. But on the link that you have provided the picture is shown of a yogi doing this posture with chin touching the floor and forehead up. There are some other differences also.
Which is the right way to do?
Shiva.
Hi Shiva,
I’d like to recommend something to you, since you are interested in Surya Namaskar, that you may find to be a powerful supplement: that being Surya Yoga - commonly referred to Sun Gazing in the West. I’ve done this sort practice, for well over a year now, and find it quite useful and enjoyable.
If you’re curious about techniques, I’d recommend these following:
The Hira Ratan Manek Technique
http://www.solarhealing.com/sgprocess.htm
The Suryayog Technique
http://www.suryayog.org/html/suryayogtech.html
May you all be happy and achieve the highest bliss,
Nirodha
I do Surya Namaskara during my ahtanga practice, this site http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/surya-namaskara-a/index.html explains things nicely including drishti and breath counts.
wonderful sun saluts
http://www.nandhi.com/suryanamaskar.htm
aum