Six of us gathered recently to practice 108 Sun Salutations…
Sounds intense right? It can be, yet so much easier done in a group with the same rhythm. We practice this four times a year, at the change of each season and it gets easier and easier. This time was a record having completed the 108 Salutes in just 1 hour. The practice of 108 Sun Salutations is believed to awaken what we refer to in Kundalini tradition as the Ten Bodies. It’s a magical experience I highly recommend as after the first 20 Sun Salutes it’s as if something else takes over.
Why 108?
Since the beginning of recorded human history, the number 108 has been associated with deep spirituality and connection between the universe and humankind. Hindu tradition associates the number 108 with the number of Shiva’s attendants, hence the Mala contains 108 beads that circle like the planets of the solar system and represent prayer and meditation. India is known to have 108 sacred sites across the country; the High Temple of Lamanai in Mayan culture was erected 108 feet tall; Buddhist temples are often built with 108 steps representing the 108 steps to enlightenment, and in China, some forms of Tai Chi have 108 movements.
Mathematicians of Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence, and the number 108 is also said to be connected with the Sun, Moon, and Earth, for the average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times sun and moon’s respective diameters. The recurrence of the number 108 is also prominent within the human body. Ancient yogis believed that there are 108 sacred sites within the body; Pranayama, the practice of meditative breath, also contains 108 cycles. One could argue that the number 108 represents an inner connection between humans and the universe.
Practicing 108 Sun Salutations is a meditative practice that connects the body, the mind, and the universe specifically when nature is undergoing a change. And coupled with this change in nature, yogis can start once again, fresh, renewed, and inspired.” (excerpt taken from We Are Warrior One Blog)
It is believed that all of the Ten Bodies become awakened with 108 Sun Salutes. Many of us are most familiar with our physical bodies and are not so aware of all the other bodies we carry. Could you imagine that your physical body is like a suitcase for a few other bodies too?
‘Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday”
Anthony Hopkins
The Ten Bodies Are:
The Soul Body, the Positive, Negative & Neutral Mind, the Physical Body, the Pranic Body, the ArcLine, the Auric Body, the Subtle Body & the Radiant Body
Here are some questions to ignite the Ten Bodies:
- What part of your mind is the most dominant, your positive, negative or neutral mind?
- Do you feel connected to the voice of your soul? * Do you feel physically & mentally balanced? * Do you trust and listen to your intuition?
- Do you find it hard or easy to trust?
- Do you find you have an excess of energy, a stable amount of energy, or do you often feel low in energy?
- Do you practice seeing beyond what is right in front of you?
As yoga practitioners, we learn that in addition to the Western way of looking at anatomy, there is also a more subtle energetic anatomy to awaken to. One of the ways we can understand our existence and enhance our potential is to learn about and work with our Ten Bodies.
The work is to keep these Ten Bodies in a state of balance. The middle way. As with most things in life if we can just find that centre line we can remain in harmony & balance with the universe.
Michelle Bartolo: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Author: Michelle Bartolo
Michelle Bartolo is a Yoga Guide based in Gozo. Blending the styles of Vinyasa and Kundalini with Pranayama Practices, Mindful Meditation, and Quantum Physics, she offers holistic classes, private sessions, retreats, and teacher training using yoga tools to heal the emotional, mental, and physical bodies.
