Meaning of Hatha Yoga

The meaning of Hatha Yoga is usually translated as the Yoga that unites the pairs of opposites, as “ha” means "sun" and “tha” means "moon".



Oftentimes Hatha Yoga is also referred to as "forceful yoga", since it seems to call for the most dynamic movements of all yoga types. However, there is no doubt that Hatha Yoga is the best known yoga in the West.



This probably accounts for the fact that so many definitions of Hatha Yoga exist in the world today.

According to Indian tradition, Hatha Yoga is one of the 4 chief traditions of Tantra Yoga. To begin with Hatha Yoga focuses on the practice of asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath control) to stimulate the Nadis (subtle channels).



Hence, Hatha Yoga has to do with on the 3rd and 4th steps of the 8-fold path of Ashtanga Yoga. Hatha Yoga’s objective is clearly to clear away the obstacles with a view to address the higher steps of Pratyahara (sense-withdrawal), Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation) and Samadhi (Balance).

There are 2 essential objectives to Asanas in Hatha Yoga. First of all if you want to practice meditation, you have to be adept at the least one pose in which you are perfectly comfortable for a certain length of time. Secondly, Hatha Yoga asanas bestow health and energy upon the body and mind by opening up the Nadis. If practised regularly, Yoga asanas and exercises automatically open the path of Hatha Yoga, for the practitioner. However, one still has to follow it further.

The role of Pranayama in Hatha Yoga is to gain mastery over breathing. Once you have mastered your breath, then you are close to mastering your mind. With the aid of Yoga breathing exercises you can govern and regulate the flow of prana or vital life force throughout your body – and mind.

So, if wish to embark on the path of Yoga, Hatha Yoga is an excellent place to begin. Even so it is crucial to remember that if you neglect the first 2 steps of Ashtanga Yoga, Yama and Niyama, Hatha Yoga might not be able to deliver the desired results. For instance, saucha (cleanliness) being one of the essential observances, you should even avoid simple Hatha Yoga exercises if you have not been moving your bowels regularly.