Hatha Yoga understood in its mere common perception, has lost itself to the glorious riches of spirituality that it originally portrayed. Where these modernized forms tend towards ease of elasticity and stretching, one would find their true wealth within the antiquity of it all.
If you attend a Hatha Yoga class today, you probably expect it to be quite mild, a simple yoga practice. Perhaps, even a rather slow-paced session with classic asanas, held for pretty long. Alas, our modern understanding of Hatha Yoga is really limited.
In the whirlwind of this speeding world and entanglement in materialistic concerns, Hatha Yoga beckons us back to our inner sanctum. It reminds us that this ancient discipline is not merely about physical prowess but about uniting body, mind, and spirit in a tapestry of divine awakening.
The Mythological Origins of Hatha Yoga
Matsyendranatha is one of the earliest Hatha yogis. In Hindu mythology, Matsyendranatha was thrown into the ocean as a baby because he was born under inauspicious stars. A fish swallowed him, and he lived there for many years.
He dove to the ocean floor where Shiva was teaching his wife Parvati, yoga’s hidden knowledge. Matsyendranath caught wind of these lessons and started to practice yoga while inside the fish.
After twelve years, he came out as a Siddha – someone who reached enlightenment. Matsyendranath then taught Hatha Yoga to his students. This tale explains why people call him Matsyendranatha, which means “lord of the fishes”.
Gorakshanath, his most well-known student, played a key role in spreading this practice across India. People think of Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath as the ones who started Hatha Yoga and wrote some of its first books.
The History of Hatha Yoga
Yoga has been around for thousands of years, but it has split into different paths over time. Hatha Yoga is one of these paths. It puts more emphasis on the physical body. This is different from “classical yoga” practices in the past. Those hatha yoga class practices were almost all about meditation.
The reference to Hatha Yoga as a specific form comes in place in the esoteric Buddhist texts like the Yoga and Tantra and in the Amrtasiddhi from the eleventh century. Around the same time the earlier texts of Hinduism also began mentioning techniques associated with this kind of yoga.
The texts of highest importance from this period would come down to Gorakshanath’s teachings, where he is believed to be a disciple of Matsyendranath, the first yogi who had learned from the innovators preached by Shiva Himself. These principles found in that time have helped to encourage what is largely recognized nowadays as “post-classical yoga”.
The period had the most authoritative texts written: Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Its author was the student of the great yogi Gorakhnath: Swami Svatmarama, and that was during the 15th century. Some important Hatha Yoga scriptures include the Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita.
The texts outline the practices of Hatha Yoga as essential: Mitahara (measured diet), Shatkarma (purification techniques), Asana (postural practice), Pranayama (breath control), Mudra (yogic seals), and meditation. Continue reading to know more about these practices.
All these scriptures, particularly the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, are highly relevant even in this modern era and are often studied during Yoga Teacher Training courses such as those at One Yoga that focus on the study of yogic philosophy.
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is first and foremost a practice of yoga, which means “union”. The ultimate goal of all yogic paths is oneness with the divine. In other words: realization of the true Self and liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
This is achieved through a set of practices that bring the mind into stillness. And Hatha Yoga isn’t an exception. It is rather the practices included in this yoga style, which attempt to prepare the body and the mind for deep states of absorption through life force harnessing.
Hatha is the Sanskrit word for “force,” since this yoga school focuses on the physical practices of this group and the masterification of the body to attain freedom. These practices have been designed to awaken and raise Prana, which thus would bring about enlightenment and, consequently, immortality.
Hatha Yoga poses embraces the eight limbs of yoga written by the great sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Asanas indeed play a crucial part in the practice, but apart from asanas, Hatha Yoga also teaches ethical conduct, breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, and meditation.
The Benefits of Practicing Hatha Yoga
Although the physical benefits of hatha yoga benefits, such as flexibility and strength, are widely recognized, it is the spiritual benefits that make this ancient discipline stand out. Among various yoga styles, Hatha Yoga focuses more on introspection through asanas rather than physical exercise per se.
With consistent and sincere practice, the benefits of Hatha Yoga can be significant. Here are some of the rewards that may come from its practice over time.
- Emotional Resilience: Hatha Yoga for beginners fosters emotional well-being. The practice aids in balancing energies within the body, enabling you to confront life’s challenges with composure and grace. As you engage in each asana and breathwork, you learn to let go of emotional tension and nurture a sense of equanimity.
- Inner Peace: This practice goes beyond just physical exercise; it serves as a pathway to lasting tranquility. By combining mindful movements with meditative focus, you create a foundation for a calm heart and a serene mind that can influence every aspect of your life.
- Spiritual Awakening: When approached with mindfulness and awareness, asanas transform into powerful tools for spiritual growth. Holding postures for extended periods allows you to explore your inner self, fostering a personal connection to the divine.
- Enhanced Mindfulness: By concentrating on each posture and breath, you can cultivate a richer awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations, deepening your appreciation of the present moment.
Final Thoughts
As we have explored, Hatha Yoga encompasses much more than mere physical postures. It serves as a pathway to spiritual awakening, a journey that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Although the practices may appear daunting initially, taking this path offers deep and meaningful rewards.
By engaging in cleansing techniques, breath control, yoga poses, mudras, and meditation, you can cleanse the body and calm the mind. This process paves the way for inner tranquility, increased awareness, and a lasting sense of joy.