Shiva

Shiva is the master of Yoga. He is usually seen in the Padmasana (Lotus Pose) surrounded by animals. Even his dance movements as Nataraj, reflect various Yogic postures. Many of Lord Shiva’s representations depict signs of complete Yoga mastery.2 Yoga’s origins can be traced to northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” was first mentioned in ancient sacred texts called the Rig Veda. The Rig Veda derives yoga from two Sanskrit roots. THE TRUE YOGI, THE SUPREME YOGI Here, Krishna is the teacher, and Arjuna is the disciple. When Arjuna refused to fight in the Kurukshetra war, Lord Krishna did not leave him to do as he pleased; instead, He held on to Arjuna and inspired him to fight.

Key Elements:

Asana (Posture):

Hatha Yoga emphasizes cultivating a steady and comfortable posture, both physically and mentally. Pranayama (Breath Control): Techniques to regulate and expand the vital energy (prana) through conscious breathing, which is believed to influence thoughts and bodily functions. Shuddhi Kriyas (Cleansing Practices): Shuddhi Kriyas are yogic cleansing practices that purify the body and mind, and there are six main types: Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Trataka, and Kapalbhati. They help cleanse and activate vital organs, enhance digestion, and improve overall well-being. Neti: Cleanses the nasal passages. Dhauti: Cleanses the digestive tract, including the mouth, throat, and stomach. Basti: Cleanses the large intestine. Nauli: Strengthens and cleanses abdominal organs. Trataka: Purifies the eyes and enhances concentration. Kapalbhati: Cleanses the frontal lobes of the brain. Mudras (Gestures): Symbolic hand positions that are believed to affect the flow of energy and influence mental states. Dharana (Concentration): The ability to focus the mind on a single point, a crucial step towards meditation. Dhyana (Meditation): Cultivating sustained attention and awareness, leading to a deeper understanding of the self. Samadhi (Enlightenment): The ultimate goal of Hatha Yoga, characterized by a state of profound absorption and liberation from Maya (illusion).

Philosophy:

Hatha Yoga philosophy centres on the balance of opposing forces within the body, often symbolized by the sun (ha) and moon (tha). The goal is to harmonize these forces (physical, mental, and energetic) to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of breath, mind, and energy, and the importance of purifying the body as a pathway to higher states of consciousness. According to yogic philosophy, we all carry both energies within us, and the aim of Hatha Yoga is to bring them into harmony or balance. This balance is not limited to physical strength or flexibility. It extends to emotional, mental, and energetic realms.

In Essence:

Hatha Yoga, in its classical form, is a holistic system that utilizes physical postures, breath control, cleansing practices, and meditative techniques to cultivate inner balance, awareness, and ultimately, liberation. It’s a journey of self-discovery through the disciplined practice of harmonizing body and mind.