Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga

The term Hatha Yoga has been commonly used to describe the practice of asana (postures). The syllable 'ha' denotes the pranic (vital) force governing the physical body and 'tha' denotes the chitta (mental) force thus making Hatha Yoga a catalyst to an awakening of the two energies that govern our lives. More correctly the techniques described in Hatha Yoga harmonise and purify the body systems and focus the mind in preparation for more advanced chakra and kundalini practices.

The Hatha Yoga system includes asana along with the six shatkarmas (physical and mental detox techniques), mudras and bandhas (psycho-physiological energy release techniques) and Pranayama (pranic awakening practices). Fine tuning of the human personality at increasingly subtle levels leads to higher states of awareness and meditation.

• Yogasana (yoga positions)
• Six shatkarmas (physical and mental detox techniques)
• Mudras and Bandhas (psycho-physiological energy release techniques)
• Pranayama (pranic awakening practices)

Articles

Hatha Yoga Part I

Hatha Yoga Part II

Hatha Yoga Part III

Paramhansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati