We
know about various kinds of Yoga according
to the temperament of the practitioner. Everyone
knows that Yoga, in generic sense, refers
to Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha
yoga, Jnana Yoga. In a restricted sense, it
refers to Raja Yoga but Hatha Yoga is not
separate from Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga means
the Yoga or union between Ha and Tha. Ha means
the sun, Tha means the moon. The Prana is
known by the name ‘sun’ and Apana
is known by the name of ‘moon’
therefore Hatha Yoga is the union of the Prana
and Apana and it is part of the Hindu traditions
of Yoga and Tantra, and is seen by many as
a path leading to the ultimate goal of Raja
Yoga, or contemplation of the One Reality.
Hatha Yoga is helpful to prepare the student
for the Raja Yoga. In short, it is an auxiliary
to Raja Yoga.
Hatha yoga is the physical part of Yoga
practice and is primarily concerns itself
with postures or asanas. Hatha yoga lays
emphasis on pranayama, asanas and dhyana
(meditation) and the other important facet
of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different
energy flows within the human body. Hatha
represents opposing energies: male and female,
hot and cold, positive and negative, similar
but not completely analogous to yin and
yang. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind
and body via physical exercises, controlled
breathing, or "asanas", and the
calming of the mind through meditation and
relaxation. Asanas teach poise, balance
& strength and clear the mind in preparation
for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment
and were originally (and still) practiced
to improve the body's physical health. It’s
a marvelous means of exercising, stretching,
and freeing the body so it can be a healthy,
long-lived, and vital instrument of the
mind and soul.
Hatha Yoga exercises are intended to ease
tense muscles, to improve the body flexibility,
and to tone up the internal organs. The
aim of accurate Yoga exercise is to improve
strength and flexibility of the body. When
practiced in combination with breathing
techniques, Hatha yoga postures stimulate
circulation, digestion, and nervous and
endocrine systems of the body. So Hatha
Yoga is a very good place to start on the
path of yoga.
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