Hour 65 Meditation – Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana

Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana

Introduction to Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana

Surya Dhyana, or Sun-Gazing meditation, is one of the oldest practices in the Indian yogic tradition, imbued with reverence for the Sun as the source of all life in the universe. The Sun is more than a material star at the center of our solar system; it symbolizes divine light, consciousness, and life energy (Prana) that permeates all life in spiritual contexts. Surya Dhyana is a way of meditative contemplation of the Sun that seeks to utilize its energies to cleanse and elevate the body, mind, and spirit of the practitioner.

Surya is the Sanskrit word for “the Sun,” and Dhyana is “meditation” or “contemplation.” Surya Dhyana thus implies meditative techniques involving Sun gazing or contemplation on its energy to receive spiritual enlightenment, vital energy empowerment, and association with divine consciousness.

Sun-Gazing, commonly linked to traditional yogic practice and certain spiritual traditions, is the act of gazing at the Sun directly at specific moments of the day—usually sunrise or sunset—when the Sun’s rays are not as strong. The aim is to ingest the positive light and energy of the Sun in a controlled and conscious manner so that it can feed the body and expand consciousness.

The Essence of Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana

The Sun has been worshipped in numerous cultures across the ages. In the Vedic tradition, the Sun is also worshipped as Surya Bhagwan (the divine Sun God), who is the giver of life and energy. Surya is usually portrayed riding a seven-horse-drawn chariot, representing the seven energy centers (chakras) of the human body.

The practice of Surya Dhyana taps into this profound respect for the Sun, in the aim of accessing its energy to cleanse the mind of the practitioner, awaken latent spiritual potential, and aid healing in the body. Surya Dhyana is practiced not only as a physical discipline but also as a spiritual one, leading the practitioner towards inner light and union with the divine light within.

Chief Advantages of Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana:

Physical Wellness and Energies:

The Sun is a provider of precious vitamin D, which is important for bone health, immune resilience, and energy. Sun-Gazing facilitates the intake of this vital energy.

It improves blood flow, increases immunity, and facilitates overall wellness.

Clarity of Mind and Emotional Stability:

Surya Dhyana dispels mental clouds, enhances focus, and sharpens mental faculties. It induces a serene and centered mindset.

It assists in balancing the emotions, curbing stress, anxiety, and pessimistic thoughts.

Spiritual Awakening and Expansion of Consciousness:

Surya Dhyana brings the practitioner into attunement with the solar consciousness, enhancing the spiritual practice, and giving deeper insights into the nature of life.

It is said to open the Ajna Chakra (third eye) and Sahasrara Chakra (crown chakra), resulting in increased intuition and spiritual awareness.

Healing of the Energy Body:

Sun-Gazing assists in activating and aligning the energy centers (chakras) of the body, especially the Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra), which controls personal power, confidence, and vitality.

The Science of Sunlight and Its Effect on the Body

Sunlight is vital to life on Earth. It brings energy, heat, and sustenance to all living organisms. Technically, the Sun’s rays are made up of electromagnetic radiation, which encompasses visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared rays. Such rays affect our bodies and minds in many ways:

Vitamin D Synthesis:

Exposure to sunlight stimulates the vitamin D production in the skin, which plays a central role in bone health, immune response, and endocrine system regulation. Insufficient vitamin D has been associated with several diseases, such as osteoporosis, depression, and compromised immunity.

Regulation of Circadian Rhythms:

Sunlight impacts the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Natural sunlight exposure regulates sleep cycles, enhances energy, and boosts mood overall.

Mental Well-being and Serotonin Production:

Sunlight triggers the serotonin production, a neurotransmitter responsible for the sense of happiness, calmness, and well-being. It is commonly referred to as the “feel-good” hormone.

Sunlight exposure has also been found to decrease depression symptoms, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Relation to Prana (Life Force):

In yogic terminology, the Sun is the ultimate source of Prana, the vital energy. With Surya Dhyana, practitioners are able to draw on this rich energy, energizing their physical and spiritual bodies.

Steps to Practice Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana

Important Note: Sun-Gazing must be done at particular times of the day, say when sunrise or sunset is happening, when Sun rays are soft and less harsh. It is crucial to shield your eyes from direct sun rays during the hottest part of the day, midday, to prevent eye injury. Begin with short intervals and continue to prolong the duration.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Find a Safe Location:

Select an open area where you can sit comfortably, like a peaceful garden, rooftop, or park. Make sure you have an unobstructed view of the horizon, where the Sun will be rising or setting.

Sit comfortably with your back straight. You can sit on the ground in a cross-legged position, or on a cushion or chair.

Prepare Your Body and Mind:

Start by breathing a few deep, slow breaths. Breathe deeply in through the nose, hold briefly, and breathe out slowly through the mouth. Let your mind calm, and bring yourself to the present moment.

Formulate an intention for the practice. For instance, you might intend to receive the healing power of the Sun, connect with your higher self, or create clarity and inner peace.

Begin Sun-Gazing:

Look at the Sun straight, but not too hard. Start looking at the Sun during the first few minutes of sunrise or sunset, when the light is gentle and golden.

Don’t look too hard or for too long. Try 30 seconds to 1 minute to start with, and slowly add more time as your eyes get used to the light.

As you look, attempt to keep a soft focus and let your mind settle. Imagine the light of the Sun entering your body, pouring into every cell with warmth, energy, and life.

Deepen the Meditation:

With each breath, let yourself rest deeper into the practice. As you look at the Sun, envision it as a source of divine light, shining upon your body and mind.

Let the light purify you of any negativity, tension, or stress. See the rays of the Sun penetrate into your being, healing and refreshing each and every part of you.

Visualize the Solar Energy:

See the energy of the Sun entering your Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), which is positioned just above your navel. Sense this region heating up and radiating with the Sun’s energy.

As you keep looking, sense the energy spreading all over your body, energizing you with vitality, power, and confidence.

Closing the Practice:

When you are ready, slowly close your eyes, but still imagine the sunlight radiating inside you. Spend a few moments soaking up the energy, and then gradually bring your attention back to the environment.

Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself, and thank the Sun’s energy.

Precautions and Sun-Gazing Safety Guidelines

Avoid Sun Gazing at Midday: Do not look directly at the Sun at midday or when the Sun is in the zenith. This will lead to severe eye damage. Practice only during sunrise or sunset.

Start Slow: Start with short practice periods of 30 seconds to 1 minute. Gradually increase practice duration over a period of weeks. Never use a longer-than-comfortable duration.

Eye Protection: If you have sensitive eyes or are uncertain about your eye health, see a healthcare practitioner prior to trying Sun-Gazing.

Listen to Your Body: In case you experience discomfort, dizziness, or strain, discontinue at once and rest your eyes. Do not try to push yourself too hard.

Reflective Questions

How did you feel when you first started Sun-Gazing? What feelings or sensations did you experience during the practice?

Did you feel any difference in your energy level or mental acuity after practicing Surya Dhyana? How did the light of the Sun influence your mood?

What thoughts or insights occurred to you when you became attuned to the energy of the Sun during the meditation? Did you experience a feeling of oneness with the universe or divine light?

How can you translate the energy and vitality of the Sun into everyday life, outside of meditation practice?

Have you experienced any lasting impacts on physical health or mental well-being as a result of Sun-Gazing? How has it influenced your spiritual practice?

Conclusion:

Surya Dhyana, or Meditation of Sun-Gazing, is a deep spiritual practice that bridges the practitioner to the divine energy and light of the Sun. Through Sun-gazing at the early morning hours of sunrise or sunset, practitioners are able to absorb strong healing energies, build their physical vitality, and increase their consciousness. The practice aids in balancing the solar energy of the body, induces mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner spiritual development.

May you remain bathed in the light of the Sun, employing Surya Dhyana as a means to tap into the divine light within and around you.