Asan Pranayam Mudra Bandh

SR No.: 009366
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyanand Saraswati Swami
Publisher: Yoga Publication Trust
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 560
Language: Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 5 MB

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Chandra Namaskara
SALUTATIONS TO THE MOON
The word chandra means 'moon'. Just as the moon, having no light of its own, reflects the light of the sun, so the practice of chandra namaskara reflects that of surya namaskara. The sequence of asanas is the same as surya namaskara except that ardha chandrasana is performed after ashwa sanchalanasana. This posture develops balance and concentration which adds another dimension to the practice.
Whereas the twelve positions of surya namaskara relate to the twelve zodiac or solar phases of the year, the fourteen positions of chandra namaskara relate to the fourteen lunar phases. In the lunar calander the fourteen days before the full moon are known as sukla paksha, the bright fortnight, and the fourteen days after the full moon are known as Krishna paksha, the dark fortnight. The name of each day introduces each asana and is used as a basis for learning the days of the lunar cycle. (For more details see the Bihar School of Yoga publication, Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing).
The lunar energy flows within ida nadi. It has cool, relaxing and creative qualities. Ida is the negative, introverted, feminine or mental force which is responsible for consciousness. Similarly, the lunar mantras ascribed to this practice are those which glorify Devi, the female or lunar aspect of divinity.
It is advisable to learn surya namaskara before attempting chandra namaskara as the postures are the same for both, except for one extra pose. In chandra namaskara the added pose, ardha chandrasana, is inserted in the sequence at positions 5 and 11, in the first half of the round, and positions 19 and 25 in the second.
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