Hatha Yoga – more than just exercise.
Yoga is about much more than physical exercise. The practice is designed to align the mind, body and spirit. However, to get the most out of your yoga practice it is helpful to understand a little about the philosophies behind the practice.
An estimated 2000 years ago, the Indian sage, Patanjali collected together the tenets of Yoga into the Yoga Sutra. The Yoga Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that outlines the practices and philosophies of yoga.
The Yoga Sutra outlines the disciplines of yoga, which are known as the eight limbs of yoga. These are:
Yamas (restraints)
Niyamas (observances)
Asanas (postures)
Pranayama (breathing)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyani (meditation)
Samadhi (absorption)
In the practice of yoga these eight limbs are explored first in the outer world and then by focusing inward to reach Samadhi, which is also known as enlightenment.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga and is ideal for beginners. Hatha Yoga is any form of yoga that includes physical poses or asanas. Most forms of yoga in the West can be classified as Hatha Yoga. The word hatha means the sun (ha) and the moon (tha). The sun represents the masculine and the moon the feminine so Hatha yoga means finding a balance between these masculine and feminine forces. The masculine forces are hot and active while the feminine are cool and receptive. A balance of these energies is needed for the body, mind and spirit to be in harmony.
On a physical level, Hatha yoga develops strength and flexibility. The strength is the masculine and the flexibility the feminine, so the practice of yoga helps us to balance these forces of action and surrender.
On a mental and emotional level, Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It requires us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
Hatha yoga also prepares the mind and body for meditation and, in this way, fully balances the mind body and spirit. Most Hatha yoga classes will end with a period of meditation guided by the teacher.
One of the most well known sequences in Hatha Yoga is the Sun Salutation
Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations, which are known as Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, originated as a prayerful way to give thanks for both the sun and the spiritual light within us. The original Surya Namaskar was a sequence of sacred words, Vedic mantras, to honor the sun and these were traditionally chanted at sunrise. Physical movements such as bowing and raising the arms may have accompanied these. These rituals date back thousands of years and have gradually developed into the Sun Salutations we recognize today.
The Sun Salutation consists of eight postures and is easy to learn. There are many classes, videos and books that can teach it. The best way to get started with Hatha Yoga is to attend a class with an experienced teacher. The teacher will be able to ensure each pose is done properly for the full benefit and to prevent injury.
However you choose to begin your Yoga practice, to get the most out of it, remember that it is about more than your body. Yoga is a holistic practice that can help you live a healthy life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
