Like any path, philosophies and lifestyles; our yoga practice could invoke ego centric traits in us. It’s like being a vegetarian sometimes. You judge those who are not vegetarian for being omnivores and vice-versa.
Doing 108 sun salutations is a much-debated topic. I have seen many debates arising over the theme of 108 rounds of Sun Salutations. I have seen this topic getting heated and intense amongst yoga teachers. There are those who for it and there are those who are against it. So why do they passionately defend their idea. This baffled me. After witnessing such a fervent argument, I decided to try it out myself. Did I think I can pull it off? May be. But I was going to. No matter what.
I guess this is the fundamental problem with doing such intense practice. It’s self-indulgent. Especially when you occupy a young body. You are frivolous. Energetic and careless. Which could lead to injury. So, my first word of caution is, CAUTION. Remember the first rule? Kindness. Be kind to yourself.
It was in a time and place in my life I could pull this off very easily. I was already doing 27 rounds regularly and I was lighter in body; with the kind of food I was taking and the portion size. It was also a time in my life that I had something to prove to myself. It was indeed self-indulgent.
For many of us yoga is also a coping mechanism. Depending on where you are in life. It so happened, when I first tried the 108 therapy, I needed one. You could argue that this is very base and primitive, if you are using yoga as an escape. You may be right. But it’s what I chose. And I was using a far more damaging release at the same time. and it’s safe to say 108 is miles better.
Before you judge my reasons for trying this out, think about the therapy. The healing. Whatever the intention, whatever the reason for someone to do 108 rounds of surya namaskars, the healing it brings is certain. It’ll give you all the benefits of doing an intense physical practice of any kind. But this isn’t any kind of physical practice. This is yoga. This is sun salutations. I’m not putting it on the plinth just because this a yoga blog. It is the real thing. Those of you who have made it part of their lives know what I’m talking about.
It’s practiced meticulously with heightened body awareness and synchronized breath. You approach the practice knowing the task ahead of you. You regulate your energy to last throughout the period. You do it with utmost gratitude to your beautiful body. You are made aware of the imbalances of your anatomy. Weak points and things you need to pay more attention to. These are all good things to experience and observe.
Once you complete the rounds, you are spent. You may have not achieved something significant. But you’ve been on the mat mindfully for the most part of that time. Sure, mind may have wondered, you may have double counted; but still you managed to complete a task with single focus for the entirety of the practice. This may have been one of those few times I felt like an old Zen master. No. it’s not the pride of achieving something with a young body. But the persistence. The undivided attention to a single task.
During the routine, depending on where you are in your practice and physical level; you’ll question your sanity. You’ll stop and question your reasons for doing this. If answer comes negative, I’d stop it. doing any amount of yoga is beneficial. In my first time, I was quite fit that I didn’t stop to question. I only had the eye on the price. 108.
Was it in my bucket list? No. Is it good to add it to your bucket list? I’d say, question yourself thoroughly why you would want to try it. Your reasons are your own. But look at your reasons deliberate, seriously.
Now looking back, the only thing I’d do differently is my reasons for doing the 108. I tried it again a few times, just out of habit and I still having somethings to work out in my head. I repeated it about a year after. It was far more difficult to get into it. physically, because my habits have changed. Mentally because, I couldn’t justify it. I no longer had anything to prove to myself?
These are my reasons and my reasons only. This could be vastly different to someone else’s experience and reasoning. I might even be taken to yoga judge for crimes against spirituality. I understand. For some of you, it could be a far higher spiritual practice. I understand and I mean no disrespect by retelling my experience as it was.
Some of my friends do 108 days of 108 and they inspire me. I admire them for their fortitude. Their grit and stamina. And they are beautiful people who are love personified.
Will I do it again? I might. Only I hope when I try it again, I’d be clearer on my intentions. Peace!