What exactly is Hatha Yoga?

What exactly is Hatha Yoga?

Article by Peter Neng

There are a great many forms of Yoga which are practiced today. However Hatha Yoga tends to be one of the most popular forms of Yoga in Europe and the Western world. Its popularity is attributed to the fact that the asanas in this form of Yoga are gentle, and it incorporates gentle breathing and meditation exercises.

The origins of Hatha Yoga date back to the fifteenth century. The main text on Hatha Yoga was written by Svami Swatmarama. He wrote the Sanskrit text on Hatha Yoga known as Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Svami Swatmarama stated that Hatha Yoga was a preparatory stage of purification for higher meditation. The origins of the word Hatha are sun and moon, Ha meaning sun, and Tha meaning moon. These two words together according to Sanskrit teachings mean powerful.

In its must traditional form the spiritual and yogic path of Hatha Yoga comprises of asanas, purification procedures, poses, breathing and meditation. The form of Hatha Yoga that is taught in the West is often a more diluted and gentler form of traditional Hatha Yoga. Those that are beginners in Yoga often choose the discipline of Hatha Yoga as it is less strenuous and entails less commitment and time than other forms of Yoga.

In fact Hatha Yoga is probably the most ‘successful’ form of Yoga as it reaches out to all types of people. It is practiced by the elderly, pregnant women and those that are generally looking for a way to lead a more relaxed form of life. Most people that wish to begin Hatha Yoga join a regular class or have individual classes with a qualified Yoga teacher. However, some people teach themselves by purchasing one of the many books available on this subject which include illustrations setting out the asanas and poses to be followed.

About the Author

For more on yoga, check out Yoga Poses Videos where you’ll find over 100 yoga videos. And for art lovers, check out Kohler’s Pig.

Next Page »