In the Western world, what the majority of people associate with the concept "Yoga" is actually Hatha Yoga, or the Yoga of Vitality, as it is also called.
Along with Raja (Royal) Yoga, Hatha Yoga forms a part of Yoga of 8 Limbs (Asht-anga Yoga). This means that it comprises Ashtanga Yoga's third and forth stages of self-perfection and focuses on mastering one's body until it is ready to continue ascending the stairs that lead to enlightenment , a blissful super-conscious state, Samadhi, which you might better know as Niravana. At that, Hatha Yoga practitioners learn to control their minds, open and clean the spiritual channels for filling themselves with vital energy, develop physical and mental strength and coordination.
The word “Hatha” is a compound consisting of two parts. The two syllables, “Ha” and “Tha” stand for the sun and the moon, and in general, Hatha Yoga symbolizes unity of antipodes, heat and cold, fire and water, body and soul, - similar to Yin-Yang.
The two main practices that make up Hatha Yoga are Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing).
Asanas are poses that were intuitively found by yogis as the perfect body positions for hour-long meditation, and in the West today they are generally used as effective exercises for attaining overall fitness, rejuvenating the body and strengthening the immune system. By performing asanas in a certain succession, Hatha Yoga practitioners flex some muscles and tense others at the same time, relaxing and building up the body. Gradually, with some progress in physical training breath control, Pranayama, is introduced. Combined with Asanas, these breathing techniques help calm down, concentrate on one's own sensations and become stronger spiritually and mentally. Thus, every “limb” of Ashtanga Yoga not only prepares a person for further development basing on the acquired knowledge and abilities, but is also beneficial for the whole organism in isolation.
Hatha Yoga can be practiced both in classes, under supervision of experienced Hatha-Yoga teachers, at home, or even in the open air. It is a good choice for beginners to start with while no special yoga apparel or equipment is needed except for a blanket or a yoga mat for sitting and lying Yoga poses and some Yoga pants that won't hinder movements (unless you do nude yoga).
Hatha yoga is especially popular while it is proven to help prevent and cure a number of diseases, starting with nervous system disorders and including constipation and even cancer. There are virtually no contra-indications against Hatha Yoga; it is only at issue whether women should take it during pregnancy and periods. So we recommend that you get advice of an experienced yoga guru or your physician and listen to what your body tells you carefully.
Good luck with Hatha Yoga and keep fit! |