HATHA YOGA

 Hatha Yoga, rooted in the ancient Tantra tradition, is a physical practice designed to prepare the body for higher spiritual pursuits. It was separated from Tantra by influential figures like Matsyendranath and Guru Gorakshanath.

Contrary to popular belief, "Hatha" doesn't mean stubbornness. Instead, it symbolizes the balance between the sun (Ha) and the moon (Tha), representing the Ida and Pingala Nadis, respectively.

Through various Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Bandhas (locks), and Mudras (gestures), Hatha Yoga aims to harmonize the body's energy channels. This balance is crucial for awakening the Shushumna Nadi, a central energy channel.

When the Kundalini energy, often depicted as a dormant serpent at the base of the spine, ascends through the Shushumna, it pierces through the chakras (energy centers) and eventually reaches the crown chakra (Brahmarandhra). This culminates in the attainment of Samadhi, a state of deep meditation or enlightenment.

Hatha Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it's a holistic practice that encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It's a foundational step on the path to higher states of consciousness, offering a balanced and accessible approach to spiritual development.

• In siddha Sidhhant Paddhati

हकार कथितह् सुर्य ठकारछन्द्र उछ्यते

सुर्यछन्द्रमसुर्योगद् हथयोगो निगध्यते 

Hakara katitah surya thakarachandra uchyate

Suryachandramasuryogad hathayogo nigadhyate 

In Srimad Bhagavad Gita Lord krishna mentioned about Pranayama

अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे |

 प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणा: || 4.29||

 Apane juhvati praṇaṁ praṇe panaṁ tathapare
Praṇapana-gati ruddhva praṇayama parayaṇaḥ 

 In chapter 1 of  Hatha Yoga Pradipika :

अशेष्ह-ताप-तप्तानां समाश्रय-मठो हठः |
अशेष्ह-योग-युक्तानामाधार-कमठो हठः || १० ||

aśeṣha-tāpa-taptānāṃ samāśraya-maṭho haṭhaḥ |
aśeṣha-yogha-yuktānāmādhāra-kamaṭho haṭhaḥ || 10 ||

Like a house protecting one from the heat of the sun, Haṭha Yoga protects its practiser from the burning heat of the three Tâpas; and, similarly, it is the supporting tortoise, as it were, for those who are constantly devoted to the practice of Yoga.

 अथ आसनम 

हठस्य परथमाङ्गत्वादासनं पूर्वमुछ्यते |
कुर्यात्तदासनं सथैर्यमारोग्यं छाङ्ग-लाघवम || १९ ||

atha āsanam
haṭhasya prathamāngghatvādāsanaṃ pūrvamuchyate |
kuryāttadāsanaṃ sthairyamāroghyaṃ chānggha-lāghavam || 19 ||

Being the first accessory of Haṭha Yoga, âsana is described first. It should be practised for gaining steady posture, good health health and lightness of body.

 Lord Shiva who is also known as Adinath in different Hathayogic texts is the founder of Hatha yoga. He  has instructed the knowledge of Hatha yoga as we can find few evidence from important Hathayogic texts.

1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika : 

This is the most important book of Hatha Yoga written by Swami Swatmarama which is having Four chapters/Updesh. First sloka of first chapter is dedicated to lord Shiva.

श्री आदिनाथाय नमोऽस्तु तस्मै येनोपदिष्टा हठयोगविद्या ।

विभ्राजते प्रोन्नत-राज-योगम्आरोढुमिच्छोरधिरोहिणीव ॥ १.१॥

 Śri adi nathaya namostu tasmai yenopadishta hathayogavidya

vibhrajate pronnatarajayogam arodhumichchoradhirohiniva |1.1|

 Salutation to Adinatha (Lord Shiva) who instructed the knowledge of Hatha Yoga, which acts as  ladder leads the aspirant/sadhaka who wish to ascend to the highest stage of yoga, raja yoga.

2.Gheranda Samhita:

This text was authored by Sage Gheranda which is the conversation between Sage Gheranda and King Chandrakapali. This text is written in 17th century and it is has seven chapters. Here before the beginning of first chapter the prayer is dedicated to Lord Shiva

 आदीश्वराय प्रणमामि तस्मै येनोपदिष्टा हठयोगविद्या । 

विराजते  प्रोन्नतराजयोगमारोढुमिच्छोरधिरोहिणीव ॥

 I bow to the Creator, who gave these spiritual instructions regarding knowledge of hatha yoga which blooms in the form of raja yoga. Knowledge of hatha yoga serves as a ladder for those aspirants who wish to attain that stage.