PA-0159
Ashtanga Sun Salutation A
Surya Namaskara A
At a glance
The primary series version of Sun Salutation A, sharing the same essential shape as the general entry but counted in Sanskrit numbers, each count corresponding to exactly one breath and one movement. The counted structure is more rigid here than the general version, and that precision is part of what this style is teaching.
“Let each numbered count carry exactly one movement, no more.”
Essence
Where the general Sun Salutation A allows some flexibility in pacing, this counted version asks for exact correspondence between each numbered count and a single movement. That precision isn't arbitrary, it's training a very exact breath-movement relationship that the rest of an Ashtanga practice depends on.
Intention
To move through Sun Salutation A using the traditional Sanskrit count, each number corresponding to exactly one breath and one movement.
What this pose develops
Physical
- •The same physical demands as general Sun Salutation A
- •Precise timing under a fixed counting structure
Mental
- •Exact breath-movement correspondence, more rigid than the general version
- •Familiarity with the counted structure that governs the rest of this practice style
Teaching concepts
- •Cueing the counts explicitly, since the precision they represent is part of what's being taught
- •Building explicitly from general Sun Salutation A as the less rigid, foundational version
How to practise
- 1Ekam: inhale, reaching the arms up overhead.
- 2Dve: exhale, folding forward.
- 3Trini: inhale, lengthening into a Half Lift.
- 4Chatvari: exhale, moving through Chaturanga.
- 5Panca: inhale, into Upward Facing Dog.
- 6Sat: exhale, into Downward Facing Dog, held for five breaths.
- 7Sapta: inhale, stepping or floating forward.
- 8Astau: exhale, folding forward.
- 9Nava: inhale, rising back to standing.
- 10Return to Samasthiti.
Alignment exploration
Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:
- •The same alignment principles as general Sun Salutation A apply to each linked pose. The additional layer here is exact timing: one count, one breath, one movement.
Breath
Each numbered count corresponds to exactly one breath, no exceptions. This precision is more rigid than the general version and is part of the actual training this sequence offers.
Teacher’s eye
Look for movements spanning more than one count, or counts passing without a corresponding movement. That precise correspondence is the whole point of the counted structure, more so than in the general version of this sequence.
Student practice
Reflect after practising:
- •The count is exact here: one number, one breath, one movement. That precision is training something specific, not just decoration.
- •If you're familiar with general Sun Salutation A, this version will feel more structured and less flexible in its pacing. That's intentional.
Common movement strategies
Rather than mistakes, you may notice:
- •Build full comfort with general Sun Salutation A's flow before adding the precise counted structure this version asks for.
Modifications
- •The same modifications as general Sun Salutation A: knees-down chaturanga, Cobra instead of Upward Dog, stepping instead of floating.
Completion check
- ✓Return to Samasthiti, pausing there before the next sequence.
Related poses
Prerequisites
Prepares for
Complements
Alternatives
Progressions
Regressions
Related movement concepts
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