The Sun: Our Outer Connection to the Inner Self
The Sun. The center of our solar system. The reason for all of life’s existence. All of the universe’s movement is in harmony and in rhythm with the ebbs and flows of this radiant celestial body. But what if we took that understanding to understand our own being a little more?
In Yoga and Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science), the Sun is the outward expression of our soul, of prana. The Sun is the center of the universe, our soul is the center of our inner universe. Without the Sun, life ceases to exist. Without prana, life ceases to exist. The Sun represents all that we are and all that we ever will be. To honor the Sun, is an expression of honoring our own center, the purest parts of who we are–the whole and divine being that we are.
The ancient seers from thousands of years ago acknowledged that our own connection to the divine is closely linked to that of the Sun. When we take time to honor that divine connection, our purpose and dharma in life becomes that much more defined and apparent. There is a sense of clarity and resilience in each step that I take. There is a spark of divinity, the ability to act from places beyond just the physical body. The foundational practice of Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations offers us the time and place to do just this.
The Sun and the Subtle Body
The Sun is represented throughout the body in various ways:
Through the heart–the center of our whole existence; the meeting point of the lower body with the divine body; the connection of the primal and instinctual needs with those of our divine and spiritual self.Through the solar plexus, the manipura chakra–the seat of our own resilience and power; governed by the Sun as a celestial planet, by honoring and opening our solar plexus, the radiance of the Sun rips through allowing us to stand with encourage and walk our path with no hesitation or obstacles. Through the pingala nadi, the solar/right side–the solar body; the action and power, the ability to exist in this world with enthusiasm and vigor; to have the utmost discernment as to what I am here to accomplish and how I will do so.
We may notice a natural pull to one of these places. Some spaces are more open than others for us to connect in with. In yoga, finding a pause to see where we are naturally being guided to helps us understand where to focus our energy and attention to begin that deep journey within, allowing us an easeful path to connect to source.
Sourcing the Sun through Asana
The poses that we choose to practice can help to deepen this connection. Here are a few poses that help to draw that energy of the sun and bring radiance both in and out.
Simhasana Lion’s Pose: The intense energy as we exhale fires up the central channel, as we embody the Sun of the animal kingdom Utkatasana Fierce Pose: The epitome of building heat within, utkatasana fires up our whole body bringing in source Sun energy Virabadhrasana Series Warrior: Any of the warrior poses will bring that fierceness and strength. When we think of the Sun, we think of that inert energy waiting to be unleashed, like a warrior from within. Shirshasana Head Stand: The entire body gets energized, redirecting blood flow and supporting oxygenation throughout, purifying and “pranafying” the whole body Padmasana Lotus: Finding the stillness and bringing the inner tapas–the inner austerity, the discipline to walk the inner path.
Our Practice as Prostration
It is said that the earliest form of asana was a gesture of deep reverence—a full prostration to the Sun. This is why Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations, remains a foundational sequence in many yogic lineages. Some believe the entire practice of yoga is an offering to that source energy, while others see only certain aspects as direct acts of homage. All of these perspectives can coexist—each a truth we are invited not just to consider, but to embody.
In honoring the Sun, we honor the light within ourselves. Each bow becomes a recognition of our soul’s essence—a quiet, powerful reverence for all that we are and all that we are becoming.
However you practice, whatever you practice, may your sadhana deepen that relationship, that connection, and that inner radiance of the Sun, of Prana, of all that you are.
About the Authour
Nishita Shah is a passionate Ayurvedic practitioner, yoga teacher & trainer, and a certified yoga therapist. While studying at the Ayurvedic Institute (AI), Nishita had the great fortune to learn Ayuryoga® with Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, and received her 500-hr Ayuryoga® certification. Nishita now leads and develops the curriculum for all the Yoga Teacher Trainings at The Ayurvedic Institute for both the 200 & 300-hr programs.
• E-RYT500 (Yoga Alliance)
• C-IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists)
• CAP (National Ayurvedic Medical Association)
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