Celebration of the longest night

Winter Solstice 108 Rounds of Surya Namaskar

Surya, the Sun God in Hindu mythology, stands on his chariot with golden hair and radiant arms, holding a lotus flower in his hand, as he endlessly circles the Earth to bring light into the world. On this night, the longest night of the year, we await the return of Surya and the light with 108 rounds of Sun Salutations. But we don’t simply wait; through this powerful and purifying practice, we experience how beautifully the light shines even in the deepest darkness.

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The Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is one of the most well-known series of asanas in yoga traditions: a dynamic practice of 12 postures performed with coordinated breath, typically done in the morning to honor Surya, the Sun God. It is a form of moving meditation, where the sun symbolizes strength, activity, masculinity, light, and life. It is a tribute to the Sun and the cycle of life. It has a strong purifying effect, loosens the knots in the body, helps turn inward, and strengthens the ability to focus. It calms the restless mind, fills the heart with divine love, and, through its power, replenishes both the body and the spirit. It helps overcome negative qualities, removing obstacles from the path to spiritual realization.

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The number 108 holds symbolic and sacred significance in yoga traditions, where 1 represents God, 0 signifies emptiness, the fulfillment of spiritual practice, and 8 symbolizes infinity, eternity.

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The practice of Surya Namaskar on its own strengthens and energizes the body, and performing 108 rounds enhances both mental and physical endurance. When the body becomes fatigued, mental strength pushes us forward—when the mind wants to give up, the body persists. In the context of the yamas and niyamas, which are the moral guidelines in the eight limbs of yoga, this is called tapas: through self-discipline and self-control, the yogi overcomes challenges. Therefore, beyond its physical benefits, this practice has a profound effect on the individual’s consciousness and personal development.

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During the session, we will use the Sun Salutations to warm up, initially performing them slowly, which is ideal for learning, and then progressing gradually according to the principle of progression. After completing the 108 rounds, we will end the event with a Yoga Nidra practice, working on a much subtler level, focusing on emotional-mental relaxation and the complete relaxation of the body.

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The 108 rounds of Sun Salutations are the perfect opportunity to either learn the sequence or deepen your knowledge, elevating it to a higher level. And don’t worry: there will be a resting pose, and you are welcome to take a break whenever you feel the need, bringing in the energy of the Moon (Chandra) to continue your journey with renewed strength.

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The session is led by: Anett Gyetvai, Traditional Hatha Yoga Teacher
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: 4,000 HUF.

Prior registration is required.