HATHA YOGA

Hatha translates as the yoga that brings union of opposites with Ha meaning “sun” and Tha meaning “moon.

Hatha is a general umbrella for many styles of yoga; Ashtanga, Iyengar, Sivananda, Shadow, Kundalini & Bikram being some of the more popular ones offered in this country today.

Hatha Yoga concentrates on a series of "Asanas" or "postures" combined with breath control exercises or Pranayama to quiet the mind. The physical postures of hatha yoga were originally practiced to create the physical strength, stamina and focus necessary for effective meditation in order to provide a path to a spiritual life with the ultimate goal being enlightenment.

In order to be able to meditate effectively one needed at least one posture that was perfectly comfortable to be in for a period of time. The more postures the better the basis for developing meditation techniques. The second objective being that of health and vitality to body and mind by opening up the body’s nadis or energy channels.

The History : Hatha Yoga

The Western world mostly practices Hatha Yoga for the unique sense of health and well being it provides, without reference to its spiritual content.

Even so, Hatha Yoga is not an ordinary stretching and toning exercise from the gym. The focus and discipline provide a sense of inner as well as outer balance. With Asana being the third stage of yoga it is important not to neglect the first two steps Yama & Niyama of the eight-limbed Ashtanga (highlighted link) tree.