Which traditional sequence of yoga postures is practiced to initiate movement and connect breath with movement?

Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is a traditional sequence of yoga postures specifically designed to initiate movement and connect breath with movement. This sequence consists of a series of asanas that flow smoothly together, allowing practitioners to transition between postures in a rhythmic manner. Each movement is synchronized with an inhalation or exhalation of breath, promoting a deep, conscious awareness of the body's movements and the breath's rhythm.

Practicing Surya Namaskar serves as a warm-up that energizes the body, enhances flexibility, and cultivates mindfulness. It is often used at the beginning of yoga classes to help students center themselves and prepare for deeper practice. The emphasis on breath coordination with each posture makes this sequence particularly effective for fostering a meditative state while engaging in physical movement.

While Vinyasa Flow also emphasizes breath-movement synchronization, Surya Namaskar is a more specific and traditional sequence recognized across various yoga styles. Hatha Yoga encompasses a broader range of postures and practices but does not specifically focus on this rhythmic quality from the outset. Ashtanga Yoga is a more structured and rigorous system that includes a series of prescribed poses in a specific order, often incorporating Surya Namaskar as its foundational element but not exclusively focusing on