Hatha Yoga Pradeepika

One of the three primary texts of hatha yoga is this one. The word “pradipika” means “to cast light.” Therefore, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika can be seen as a lighthouse for the mystic realm of hatha yoga. This branch of yoga purifies the body through asana, bandha, concentration, mudra, pranayama, and shatkarma. Raja yoga and samadhi are learned using this as a foundation.

Raja Yoga promotes self-control and discipline, both of which call for intense concentration. You must follow the hatha yoga path to achieve that. The four sections of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are dedicated to eliminating toxins from the body. Asana, shatkarmas and pranayama, mudra and bandhas, and samadhi are the four divisions (enlightenment).

Hatha Yoga Pradipika:

1. Asana

• The six factors that ruin yoga are excessive eating, physical activity, chattiness, adherence to rules, being around regular people, and instability of mind.
• The six factors—enthusiasm, persistence, discrimination, unwavering faith, courage, and avoiding the company of ordinary people—are what make yoga successful.
• The best asana is Paschimottanasana. The pranic currents rise through the main energy channel when performing this asana. The practitioner’s stomach flattens, their digestive fire grows, and they become disease-free.

2. Pranayama and Satkarma

• External signs that the nadis are being cleansed are success; the body becomes lean and radiant.
• The breath should be felt from the throat to the heart and produce a sonorous sound as you inhale through the ida and pingala nadis while closing your mouth.
• The mind is unstable when the breath is unstable. The yogi develops steadfastness when the breath and the mind are both steady.
• Where is the fear of dying as long as the body keeps breathing, the mind is at peace, and the sight is in the middle of the brows?
• Hatha yoga is perfected when the body is lean, the face is calm, the inner sound is manifested, the eyes are clear, there are no diseases, the bindu (semen/ova) is under control, the digestive fire is active, and the nadis are cleansed.

3. Bandha and Mudra

• As a result, the yoga practitioner defeats death by keeping the bindu. Semen/ova release results in death; bindu conservation results in life.
• She is a true yogini who controls and raises her rajas to conserve it. She fixes herself in the khechari mudra and is aware of the past, present, and future.
• By performing the vajroli mudra, the bindu and the rajas within one’s own body come together, bestowing all siddhis or perfections.
• The yogi who regularly moves the shakti experiences siddhi, or perfection. She easily overcomes time and death. What else needs to be said?

4. Samadhi

• The mind becomes immobile like a bird without wings when it stops being fickle and is united by being fixed in nada.
• Thus, one who seeks total control over yoga should explore the nada with a focused mind and no thoughts.
• The yogi is not consumed by time, constrained by Karma, or subjugated by anyone while in samadhi.
• Yoga practitioner in samadhi is unaware of smell, taste, form, touch, sound, oneself, or other people.

Aim of Hath Yoga

There are not two minds, there is one mind trying to split itself into two. One mind wants to break the discipline and the other mind wants to maintain the discipline. You can find this split in everybody.

The authorities and masters of hatha yoga realized this danger. Therefore, they said, first discipline the body. They explained what they meant by the body. The subtle elements (tattwas), the energy channels (nadis), within the body should be purified. The behavior of the vital force (prana), the entire nervous system and the various secretions in the body should be properly maintained and harmonized. After this one should go on to practice mudras like vajroli, sahajoli, khechari, shambhavi, vipareeta karani and others. This way, it will be possible to develop deep meditation. These practices will induce pratyahara and lead into dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

HATH YOGA FOR A HEALTHY LIFE:

Exercise properly: Mental balance depends on a healthy body. Strength, stamina, and flexibility can be improved by performing yoga poses steadily and comfortably. We simultaneously (re-)balance the nervous system while practicing following the ancient principles.

Proper breathing: Conscious breathing can be used to control the mind. Therefore, a variety of breathing techniques are used in yoga practice. When the breath is controlled, it is abundant and natural.

Correct relaxation: It’s critical to regularly relax the body to recover from the effort. In addition to the physical body, the senses are also relaxed.

Proper diet: Energy for the body and mind must come from a healthy diet.

It ought to be adequate while not being harmful or upsetting. Since vegetarianism can be produced without needless violence, it makes up most of the yogic diet.

Positive thinking and meditation: Our mental health is influenced by our thinking. As a result, it’s crucial to meditate and engage in positive thinking to develop mental equilibrium.

What can I anticipate from a Hatha Yoga class?

A Hatha class typically lasts 90 minutes. There are four sections in the class.

Exercises for breathing are covered in the first section of class.

You will perform the two breathing exercises that are the most crucial: Kapalabhati (forceful exhalations) and Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing).

Exercises to warm up the body are covered in the second part.

Surya Namaskar will be performed first, followed by the dolphin and leg raise. All major muscle groups, including the spine, receive a thorough warm-up during the Surya Namaskar.

Asanas: The third section will include 12 to 15 yoga asanas in the conventional order. You will hold the poses for anywhere between one minute and three minutes depending on your ability. In between the poses, there will occasionally be brief relaxations.

The class’s final relaxation is the most calming activity. You will experience deep relaxation for 15 minutes, which may put you to sleep.

What common props are used in Hatha yoga?

Occasionally, in a Hatha Yoga class, props are used. They can make the pose more secure or accessible. Typical props include: Block for yoga, a bolster for meditation, and a strap

Can anyone practice Hatha Yoga?

No, even though it is a very beneficial form of yoga.Some individuals should not take a regular Hatha Yoga class, though they may benefit greatly from an adapted Hatha Yoga class.The following group will find Hatha Yoga too difficult and benefit more from a gentler style of yoga, such as Yin Yoga or Chair Yoga.

• very elderly people.
• people undergoing protracted injury recovery
• people with spinal or neck injuries
• people who have serious knee problems

What distinguishes Hatha Yoga from other forms of yoga?

Hatha Yoga is an older form of yoga; it differs greatly from other contemporary yoga forms in the following ways:

• Asanas are held continuously during a Hatha practice for one to five minutes.
• The majority of contemporary styles are dynamic and only briefly hold poses.
• Compared to other yoga forms, Hatha slows the metabolism.
• In Hatha, the asanas concentrate on the spine and internal organs, whereas in other styles, the asanas concentrate on the muscles and joints.
• Compared to other practices, Hatha puts less strain on the body.
• Compared to other styles, Hatha requires less oxygen.
• Hatha places more emphasis on physical and mental stillness than on movement.