| Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular forms of | | | | that you activate and channelise the vital life energy |
| Yoga and is widely practiced across the world by lay | | | | (termed as 'Prana'). When this vital energy travels from |
| persons and Yogis alike. It considers the physical form | | | | the base of the spine to the top of the head, you can |
| or the human body to be the vehicle for the soul, and | | | | achieve Samadhi -- the eternal bliss of inner peace |
| lays great importance on physical discipline. | | | | and self-realization. This canalization of 'Prana' is also |
| The physical discipline is achieved through 'asanas' | | | | termed as Kundalini Yoga, which is one of the many |
| (postures), 'pranayam' (breathing exercises) and | | | | branches of Yoga that has originated from Hatha |
| meditation. Through these activities, the body is shaped | | | | Yoga. |
| into a perfect receptacle for spiritual elements. | | | | The term 'Hatha' has been derived from the words |
| The 'asanas' and 'pranayamas' are used to power the | | | | 'Ha' and 'Tha'; 'Ha' means 'Sun' and 'Tha' means 'Moon'. |
| energy channels called the 'nadis'. The 'asanas' help to | | | | In Yoga, the sun is perceived as radiating positive |
| develop will power, concentration and self-withdrawal, | | | | energy while the moon radiates negative energy. Thus, |
| and enable the practitioner of Hatha Yoga to move | | | | Hatha Yoga is based on the principle of a harmonizing |
| closer towards Samadhi, which is the Yogic term for | | | | union between the pairs of opposites (positive and |
| inner peace and bliss. | | | | negative). Therefore, taken together, the term 'Hatha' |
| The 'asanas', which are well thought-out physical | | | | stands for 'union of force'. |
| exercises, make the human body supple and fitter. | | | | The prolonged practice of Hatha Yoga can help you |
| They make the muscles stronger, energize key | | | | recognize that a divine light shines within you. This |
| organs, improve mind-body coordination and give the | | | | awareness will make you stronger, more flexible and |
| mind sufficient strength to stay cool and relaxed in | | | | relaxed. The relaxation exercises involved in practicing |
| times of crises. | | | | Hatha Yoga opens the 'nadis' allowing your spiritual |
| 'Pranayama' is equally important to the practice of | | | | energy to flow freely. |
| Hatha Yoga. It is through these breathing exercises | | | | |