“Keep your face to the sun, and you will never see the shadows.”
— Helen Keller
The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is often described as an ancient yogic practice, but the sequence of postures itself is relatively modern. It is not found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as a series of physical poses. Its deeper meaning, however, connects to much older Indian mythology and the enduring symbolism of the sun.
In Hindu mythology, Hanuman, the monkey deity, is a beloved figure in the Ramayana, known for his strength, courage, devotion, humility, and love of learning. As a child, he mistook the rising sun for a golden fruit and leapt toward it. His encounter with Surya, the sun god, became an opportunity to learn. Hanuman asked Surya to become his teacher.
Surya agreed, explaining that he could not stop his journey across the sky. Undeterred, Hanuman travelled alongside him, learning as he moved with the sun. The story reflects Hanuman’s devotion, perseverance, curiosity, and desire for knowledge.
Through this lens, the Surya Namaskar can be understood as a gesture of gratitude and reverence. The practice offers an opportunity to turn toward the light, both literally and metaphorically, and to cultivate curiosity, courage, humility, and devotion.
The sequence may be modern, but the meaning behind it is ancient: to greet the sun, honour its life-giving power, and orient ourselves toward light and knowledge.