What is Hatha Yoga? Hatha yoga explained

In the last 100 years, a set of physical practices known as asanas became popular throughout the world identified as Hatha Yoga.
But, what does Hatha yoga actually mean?
The word Hathena /hathat means to do forcibly. So, Hatha yoga consists of techniques where there is a use of force mostly related to physical postures known as Asana. But Hatha yoga is not just set of physical postures.
The word Hatha is composed bija mantras representing the Solar and lunar energies which manifests as Pingala and Ida nadis, Prana and Apana vayus in the human body. These are the two different energies which exists in all matters of the universe. Their union or yoga is called Hatha yoga.
Hatha represents union of the forces of mind, and the energy of prana in the human body.
The moon is the mental energy of chitta. The sun is the pranic energy. It is through the practice of hatha yoga, these two energies can be balanced and unified into a single force.
Hatha yoga emphasizes the concept of Bindu which is the life force in all beings. It is constantly moving downwards and through the practice of hatha, one forcefully moves the Bindu upwards in the body. This is why its called Hatha , the use of force for one’s longevity and well-being.
In ancient times hatha yoga was practiced for many years as a preparation for the body and mind to reach higher states of consciousness. Through hatha yoga one can regulate the body secretions, hormones, breath, brain waves and prana; It helps in calming the mind. Hatha yoga is the means or sadhana and raja yoga is the goal or samadhi state of mind. So, Hatha yoga is the stairway leading to raja yoga. Once the practitioner/sadhaka reaches the stage of raja yoga, hatha yoga ceases to be necessary for him.
The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā is the most influential text on hatha yoga today. This text was written during 15th century by a Nath Yogi, Swatmarama connecting the teachings of yoga lineage to great gurus , Sri Matsyendranath and Sri Gorakhnath of the Nath Samapradaya.
The term pradipika means ‘self-illuminating’ or ‘that which illuminates. ‘It is a text which illuminates about asana, pranayama and shatkarmas.
In this text, Yogi Swatmarama goes on to explain that hatha yoga is to be utilized as a means of preparing oneself for raja yoga.
The text details about shatkarma (six acts of self-purification), 15 asanas, pranayama techniques (breathing), mudras (internalized energetic practices), chakras (centers of energy), the coiled energy kundalini, nadanusandhana (concentration on inner sound) and other topics.
As per this text connecting to the cosmic consciousness is the ultimate goal of yoga.
The cosmic consciousness or universal spirit is known by many names. It is that power which resides in all. That force is known as the guru because when the realization of its existence dawns, it takes one out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of reality. The Nath sect of yogis called it Adinatha, primal master or protector


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Finding your balance through Yoga, Timeless Wisdom.
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