HATHA YOGA

Hatha Yoga relates to the restraint of breath (Pranayama), Asanas, Bandhas and Mudras. Ha and tha means, union of the sun and the moon, union of Prana and Apana. Hatha means any tenacious practice till the object or end is achieved. A Hatha Yogi starts his Sadhana with body and Prana. A Hatha Yogi gets Siddhis (psychic powers) by uniting Prana and Apana and by taking the united Prana-Apana through the six Chakras (centers of spiritual energy) to Sahasrara at the crown of the head. Hatha Yoga is a system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama a sage of the 15th century and compiler of Hatha yoga Pradipika.

Hatha Yoga is the prepatory stage of physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation. The aim of Hatha yoga is meant to be to condition the body, so that the mind can be prepared for its spiritual path. It is thought that when the body is in good physical condition, then the mind is free to concentrate on spiritual matters.Traditionally, Lord Shiva is credited with propounding Hatha Yoga. It is said that on a lonely island, assuming nobody else would hear him, he gave the knowledge of Hatha Yoga to Goddess Parvathi, but a fish heard the entire discourse, remaining still throughout. Lord Shiva took mercy on the fish (Matsya) and made him a Siddha. Who came to be known as Matseyandranaath. Matsyendranaatha taught Hatha Yoga to Chaurangi, a limbless man who was given hands and feet by Matsyendranaatha just by looking at him.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions Adinaatha, Matsyendranaatha, Gorakhanaatah and many other yogis who became famous Hatha Yogis.Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha Yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "Asanas", purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation.Hatha Yoga is not the goal. It is only a means to an end.

Linus Orakles
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