Hatha Yoga

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Hatha Yoga relates to the restraint of breath (Pranayama), Asanas,

Bandhas and Mudras. 'Ha' and 'tha' mean the union of the sun and the

moon, union of Prana and Apana Vayus. 'Hatha' means any tenacious

practice till the object or end is achieved. Trataka, standing on one

leg, (a kind of Tapas) and similar poses are all Hatha Yoga

practices. Hatha Yoga is inseparable from Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga begins

where Hatha Yoga ends. Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga are interdependent.

Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga are the necessary counterparts of each

other. No one can become a perfect Yogi without a knowledge and

practice of both the Yogas. Hatha Yoga prepares the student to take

up Raja Yoga.

 

A Hatha Yogi starts his Sadhana with body and Prana; a Raja Yogi

starts his Sadhana with his mind; a Jnana Yogi starts his Sadhana

with Buddhi or intellect and will.

 

A Hatha Yogi gets Siddhis (psychic powers) by uniting Prana and Apana

and by taking the united Prana-Apana through the six Chakras (centres

of spiritual energy) to Sahasrara at the crown of the head. A Raja

Yogi gets Siddhis by Samyama, i.e., combined practice of Dharana,

Dhyana and Samadhi at one time. A Jnana Yogi exhibits Siddhis through

pure will or Sat-Sankalpa. A Bhakta gets Siddhis through self-

surrender and the consequent descent of grace. Kriyas, viz., Neti,

Dhauti, Nauli, Basti, Tratak and Kapalabhati belong to Hatha Yoga.

All need not practise these Kriyas. Those who have got much phlegm in

the body should practise these Kriyas. Learn these under an expert

Hatha Yogi. Hatha Yoga is not the goal. It is only a means to an end.

Take to Raja Yoga after possessing good health.

 

Do Asana, Kumbhaka, Mudra and shake the Kundalini. Then take it to

Sahasrara through Chakras in the Sushumna. O children of light! Will

you drink not, will you drink not, the nectar of immortality?

 

Brother! Attain good health. Without health how can you live? Without

health, how can you earn? Without health how can you get success in

Yoga or any undertaking? Possess wonderful health through the

practice of Hatha Yoga. Drink the nectar in Sahasrara and live in the

immortal abode of Siva.

 

(Source: Essence of Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda)