What's in a Name: Hatha Yoga
'Hatha' comes from the Sanskrit roots ’ha’ and ‘tha,’ which represent masculine energy and feminine energy respectively. These two polar forces correspond to ‘yang’ and ‘yin’ energies of the taoist tradition, and guide much of our day-to-day affairs. The masculine energy, ‘ha’ (yang), is what generates activity and heat. The feminine energy, ’tha’ (yin), is responsible for receptivity and coolness.
Early proponents of Hatha Yoga found that when one of these energies is dominant in the body, people are disposed towards opposites: lazy or ambitious, curious or controlling, mentally active or physically active, for example. When, however, these two energies are balanced, the spiritual aspirant is more naturally equanimous, exemplifying the qualities of contentment and courage. As such, Hatha Yoga deals with balancing these two underlying and opposing forces in order to attain higher states of consciousness.
A second interpretation of the word ‘hatha,’ can be translated as ‘with force.’ It implies using the energies of the body to ‘force’ the spiritual aspirant into states of higher awareness. It is not necessarily comfortable (as many modern yoga studios might have you believe). First, the practitioner strengthens his or her nervous system with vigorous practice of asana (physical postures). Next, he or she guides the energies of the body with pranayama (breath control). When these two stages are successfully navigated and the energies of the body ‘forced’ into proper alignment, the advanced techniques of concentration and meditation will occur spontaneously.
While physical health might be a consequence of practicing Hatha Yoga, the goal is to move beyond the physical realm altogether, and into unitive awareness, or enlightenment.
Early proponents of Hatha Yoga found that when one of these energies is dominant in the body, people are disposed towards opposites: lazy or ambitious, curious or controlling, mentally active or physically active, for example. When, however, these two energies are balanced, the spiritual aspirant is more naturally equanimous, exemplifying the qualities of contentment and courage. As such, Hatha Yoga deals with balancing these two underlying and opposing forces in order to attain higher states of consciousness.
A second interpretation of the word ‘hatha,’ can be translated as ‘with force.’ It implies using the energies of the body to ‘force’ the spiritual aspirant into states of higher awareness. It is not necessarily comfortable (as many modern yoga studios might have you believe). First, the practitioner strengthens his or her nervous system with vigorous practice of asana (physical postures). Next, he or she guides the energies of the body with pranayama (breath control). When these two stages are successfully navigated and the energies of the body ‘forced’ into proper alignment, the advanced techniques of concentration and meditation will occur spontaneously.
While physical health might be a consequence of practicing Hatha Yoga, the goal is to move beyond the physical realm altogether, and into unitive awareness, or enlightenment.