Isha | Hatha Yoga | Isha yoga Netherlands | Ascendance

What is Surya Kriya?

Surya Kriya is a potent 21-step yogic practice of tremendous antiquity, designed as a holistic process for health, wellness and complete inner well-being.

“Surya” means “Sun”, and “Kriya” means “inner energy process”. This process activates the solar plexus to raise the solar heat in the system.

It also balances a person’s left and right energy channels, leading to stability of the body and stillness of the mind. This strong foundation consequently becomes the basis for one to explore higher dimensions of life.

Traditionally available only to select groups of yogis, Surya Kriya is being offered by Sadhguru as a comprehensive spiritual practice that is ideal for the hectic pace of today’s world.

Find out when the next Surya Kriya workshop is.

Benefits of Surya Kriya

Develops mental clarity and focus
Strengthen and stabilise the body
Remedies weak constitutions
Boosts vigour and vitality
Balances hormonal levels in the body
Prepares one for deeper states of meditation

Preparation steps

Before doing the Surya Kriya practice, it is important that we prepare the body properly. We will learn a series of steps for this purpose.

These preparation steps help to loose up the limbs and activate the very base of our spine. They can also balance our energy channels and bring up the metabolic level.

Daily practise of these preparation steps can also improve your flexibility and inner balance.

Find out when the next Surya Kriya workshop is.

21 Steps of practice

Images showing Isha Hatha Yoga teachers demonstrating a few postures from the 21 steps of Surya Kriya practice.

21 steps of practice

Surya Kriya is comprised of 21 steps. It also involves a particular way of breathing. You can do one or multiple cycles of Surya Kriya.

Initially, it might take you 12 – 15 minutes to complete one cycle. Gradually, as you do the practice, your body becomes more stable and your breath becomes much deeper. You will be able to achieve approximate 21 minutes per cycle.

The entire practice brings a certain profound experience of meditativeness and a certain quietness of the mind. You can clearly notice this, even just after a few days practising.

Program costs

Program costs

Tuition fee: EUR 250.-

Including 3 x 2.5 hours workshop to learn the entire practice
Post program support for any practice related question (email, call and WhatsApp)
Free to attend a Surya Kriya workshop again in the future, as a refresher
Find out when the next Surya Kriya workshop is.

Practice intensity: Medium
Stomach condition: An empty stomach condition is essential
Practice time: +/- 30 minutes
Suitable age: 12 years old +
Previous experience in yoga is not required
You are prepared to do the practice regularly at home after the workshop

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Surya Kriya and Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a variation from Surya Kriya. It is simplified so that it can be taught to a wider audience. Surya Kriya is the original and the fundamental format. It has a stronger spiritual inclination than Surya Namaskar.

In this blog article, you can learn more about the difference between the two: http://www.ascendance.nl/sun-salutation/

Is Surya Kriya workshop suitable for me?

Surya Kriya is suitable for anyone who is older than 12 years. If you are relevantly mobile and have no severe back problem or hernia, you can do the practice.

Due to the nature of the practice it is not suitable for a lady who is pregnant. It is also recommended not to do Surya Kriya within 6 months of any open surgery; or with 6 weeks of any laparoscopic surgery.

I don't done any yoga before. Can I still attend the Surya Kriya workshop?

Yes. You can for sure attend the Surya Kriya workshop, regardless your previous experience in yoga. There is no pre requisite for learning Surya Kriya.

The entire practice is taught in such depth, including the correctness of the postures and how to do the breathing. After the practice, you will be able to repeat the full routine on your own.

Can I learn Surya Kriya online?

Surya Kriya workshop is not available online. You can only learn it in person. This an ancient practice within the classical Hatha Yoga series. Sadhguru emphasis the importance of a live transmitting of all classical Hatha Yoga practices. A certain atmosphere has been created in the class, which is the most conducive for you to receive them.

Can I combine Surya Kriya with other practices?

Yes, you can combine Surya Kriya with other practices. If you do other Isha Yoga practices, Surya Kriya is a wonderful preparation steps for you.

If you practice other style of yoga, you can still combine your current practice with Surya Kriya. During the workshop, the teacher will explain how you combine it with other yoga practices.