Hatha Yoga: The ‘Original’ Yoga

To further our discussion of the various forms of yoga, today’s blog will cover Hatha yoga. If you are interested in Vinyasa (the main type of yoga featured at Lotus Petal Yoga,) Ashtanga, or Bikram yoga, please visit recent previous blogs.

Hatha yoga is a form of yoga first introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a yogic sage in the 15th century in India. Usually when people refer to ‘yoga’ this is the form they are referring to. Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced yoga and one of the most popular kinds of yoga. Several other styles of yoga including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga all originated from the Hatha style.

The word "hatha" comes from the Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon". Thus, Hatha Yoga is known as the branch of Yoga that unites pairs of opposites referring to the positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents in the system. It concentrates on the third (Asana) and fourth (Pranayama) steps in the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Hatha yoga has sometimes been referred to as the yoga of willpower as just doing it strengthens your will, an attribute of the mind. Holding the postures longer than in other forms of yoga allows you to experience being able to do more than expected. This builds confidence and self esteem fostering a more positive mind. In addition, Hatha yoga allows you to become more relaxed in an otherwise stressful situation such as a difficult asana.

Hatha yoga also includes many relaxation exercises which open energy channels allowing the spiritual energy to flow freely. In addition, it can also help you cope with stress, relieve tension, and deal with anxiety and depression. More importantly, it will help you put your mind in a focused state to prepare for Meditation and, eventually, the search for enlightenment.