By Bharti Raizada and Om Raizada
The Surya Namaskar Yagna(SNY) or Yoga for Health and Health for Humanity Yogathon is an event held by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS) U.S.A., every year, to raise awareness about yoga and its benefits and also to celebrate Makar Sankranti which falls on January 14th and indicates the coming of the new season.
Initiative was proposed in 2006 on the eve of 100th birth centenary of Sh. Golvikaar ji and it was first executed in 2007. SNY was not conducted on a large scale in 2013 because of one other major event, however, it was still a brief part of this event. For the 2018 year, this 16-day event is from January 13th to January 28th. People of any age, gender, and race can attend this event, at any HSS shakha, all across the United States. People can gather at any place and do it. They can even choose to do it at their home. Since its inception in 2006 more than four million Surya Namaskars have been done collectively. It has been recognized in the US house of representatives.
The Surya Namaskar, Or Sun Salutation, is a combination of Yoga Asanas, Mantras, and deep breathing exercises. It is a way to show gratitude to the sun. One Surya Namaskar is a set of ten yoga asanas and mantras that bring the body and consciousness together. It is usually performed in the morning to rejuvenate the body and freshen the mind.
Besides being a way to exercise and burn calories, Surya Namaskar also has a lot of other health benefits. These benefits are also proven in some scientific studies. Some of the benefits are:
- It improves blood circulation and increases blood oxygenation
- Helps strengthen muscles and joints
- Helps with the smooth running of digestive system
- It can help with sleep issues and insomnia
- It can help bring down blood sugar levels
- It helps with anxiety and strengthens memory
- It helps lose weight
- Helps with deep breathing
- Surya Namaskar helps to detoxify body
- It prevents wrinkles and makes the skin glow
There are more than 3 million Hindus in the U.S.A. or in other words 1% of the USA population is American Hindus.
Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh is a nonprofit organization which started in 1989 with the goal of promoting unity and harmony and now there are aroung 178 shakas in the U.S.A. These shakas do various activities e. g. Community services, workshops, volunteering, discussions, seminars, conduct youth shakas, kids shakas, Balagokulam etc. HSS contributes positively and tremendously to society.
Please join the Surya Namaskar Yagna and spread the word around for everyone's benefit.
Surya Namaskar Yajna
https://www.75suryanamaskar.com/
https://www.omraizada.com/home/surya-namaskar
Surya_Namaskar_explanation.ppt
Significance of Sun in Surya Namaskar practice: Most of the ancient cultures worship the Sun. The Greeks called the Sun god Helius, the Romans referred to him as Titan and Hyperion, the Egyptians called him Ra (Ra-Atum-Khepri). In Mexican culture, he is Kikich Ahau. The Germans call the Sun Sol. In Chinese culture, the Sun represents YANG (Pingala) and the Moon represents YIN (Ida),the basis of everything in nature. Through the practice of Surya Namaskar, we offer our salutations to the Sun, surrender our ego, accept that cosmic energy is the main factor in our survival and drive the universe. Although I as an individual may be achieving success, name, and fame, attributing it to the larger factors that are responsible for this success makes us feel humble and grateful.
Bharti Raizada