The definition of Hatha Yoga
At Yoga Vedanta Trust, we understand the confusion that can arise around the definition of Hatha yoga. With so many variations in interpretation and translation, it can be challenging to understand exactly what this ancient practice entails. However, despite these discrepancies, one thing remains clear – Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for achieving balance and unity within the body and mind.
Traditionally, Hatha yoga is defined as the “yoga of force” or “the means of attaining a state of yoga through force”. This suggests that any physical action taken in the pursuit of yoga can be considered a part of Hatha yoga, including asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mantra (chanting or reciting), mudra (hand gestures), shatkriyas and shatkarmas (cleansing techniques), and visualisation.
However, in popular Western culture, Hatha yoga is commonly understood as a practice that aims to balance the opposing forces of the body and mind – the “ha” representing the sun and the “tha” representing the moon. This balance is achieved through a set of physical postures and breathing techniques, which are typically practiced at a slower pace and with more static posture holds than in a Vinyasa flow or Ashtanga class.
At Yoga Vedanta Trust, we offer a range of Hatha yoga classes that incorporate both traditional and contemporary interpretations of this practice. Our classes are designed to help you achieve physical, mental, and spiritual harmony through the use of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
In a lecture by Mark Singleton – author of ‘Yoga Body’ and Senior Research Fellow at SOAS London University – he highlighted the notion that “what’s physical and what’s not is up for question. No matter what one does, isn’t it all physical?” This brings to light the idea that Hatha yoga is not just a physical practice, but one that encompasses all aspects of the self.
At Yoga Vedanta Trust, we believe that Hatha yoga can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, we invite you to join us on the mat to explore the many facets of this ancient and fascinating practice
Origins of the Hatha Yogis
Yoga has become a popular practice in modern times, with people incorporating it into their busy lifestyles. But did you know that the origins of yoga were quite the opposite? Yoga began as a practice for ascetics who renounced their worldly responsibilities in favor of a life as an ascetic. They believed in reincarnation and karma, which were central to their thinking. These were the original Hatha yogis who practiced Tapas, or austerity, to burn off past karma and refine the body and mind.
To perfect their body and senses, these yogis performed extraordinary feats such as holding their arms in the air for hours, submerging themselves in cold water, standing on one leg, and even hanging upside down. These practices may seem obscure and long-lost, but they still exist today, and there’s no sign of them becoming extinct any time soon.
From East to West
Originally, Hatha yoga practices were focused on breath control, with extreme breath control considered the ability to control prana, or one’s own life force. These practices gradually became more accepted by society, and yoga postures and pranayama practices developed from them.
As yoga spread to different parts of the world, it picked up influences along the way. Contortionism, gymnastics, and yoga postures looked almost identical in the 1800s, with the only difference being the intention behind the practices: for either transcendence or treasures.
Influences of bodybuilding and European gymnastics merged with the original ascetic practices, and soon Hatha yoga became sequenced and taught to larger groups of people. It finally entered into Western consciousness when Vivekananda visited the US in the late 1800s, and the first physical ‘performance’ of yoga graced the UK in 1893.
It’s essential to understand that changes, evolution, and reinvention within Hatha yoga practices didn’t just take place in the West. They were also happening across the East, with Persia and other parts of the Middle East practicing forms of Hatha yoga that focused more on difficult postures intended to lead towards meditative practices.
In conclusion, the origins of Hatha yoga lie in the ascetic practices of renunciates who believed in karma and reincarnation. These practices gradually evolved and spread across the world, picking up influences along the way. While modern-day yoga may look different from its original form, it’s still grounded in the same principles of refining the body and mind.
The Evolution of Hatha Yoga
The origins of yoga remain a contentious topic among scholars and academics. While some point to the discovery of the Pashupati seal, which depicts a figure in a lotus posture, as evidence of the practice’s ancient origins, others challenge this claim. Despite this debate, it is undeniable that Hatha yoga, with its accompanying asanas and practices, has undergone significant evolution over time.
Chris Tompkins, a scholar with three degrees in religion and Sanskrit, argues that the Suryanamaskar practices of Hatha yoga date back to the ancient Vedic texts of 1700 BC. However, others, such as Mallinson and Singleton, contend that yoga was not widely practiced until the 20th century.
Regardless of when Hatha yoga first emerged, the practice has undergone a remarkable transformation. Ancient asanas were mudras, intended to direct energy within the body. Today, yoga is a popular and accessible activity that emphasizes relaxation and physical well-being.
Some of the postures commonly practiced today, such as Ardha Matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes), have roots in ancient traditions. This seated twist is thought to have been inspired by the image of the ancient Nath yogi and ascetic Matsyendranath sitting in a twisted position on top of a fish.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a well-known text on Hatha yoga, includes 84 sacred postures, many of which have been reimagined for modern practitioners. Originally, the term “asana” referred specifically to a seat for meditation. But today, the word encompasses a wide range of physical postures, from gentle stretches to challenging feats of flexibility.
Ultimately, the evolution of Hatha yoga speaks to its enduring appeal and adaptability. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, there is a yoga practice that can meet your needs and help you achieve greater physical and mental well-being.
Creating change
The practice of Hatha yoga has been a subject of discussion amongst scholars and academics for a long time. However, one thing that is indisputable is that the practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, and mantra techniques can create positive change in our lives.
Yoga practitioners have long known that these practices not only improve physical health but can also enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s bringing a sense of calm and relaxation or helping to release negative emotions, yoga has always been intended to create positive change in our lives.
While it may not be feasible for everyone to renounce worldly responsibilities and become an ascetic, we can all use our yoga practice to become more connected, engaged, and vital members of our community. By incorporating these ancient practices into our daily routine, we can achieve a greater sense of connection with ourselves, our surroundings, and the world around us.
So, if you’re looking to make a positive change in your life, why not explore the transformative power of Hatha yoga? With regular practice, you too can experience the many benefits that yoga has to offer and create a positive change in your life.