Hatha Yoga
Hatha is a Sanskrit word that means ‘force’. Hatha Yoga is one of the kinds of yoga which consists of postures, breathing. There will be both men and women features in every human being that are not balanced. Hatha yoga brings the balance of masculine features(which represent sun or Pingala) and feminine features (which represent moon or Ida) within us. Hatha yoga is a way of working with the body, a way of disciplining, purifying, and preparing the body for higher levels of energy and possibilities with yoga asanas (yogic postures) and other techniques.
Hatha yoga is a profound science to understand once energy and transcend the physical nature
The body is only a part of you, it is not completely you. Asanas keep the body down in its original place. Asanas make the body function in a manner of how it has to be naturally and how it should listen to you. You should not listen to your body. Unfortunately, the majority of the population listen to their body and senses. Hatha yoga prepares the body for higher levels of sadhana by removing physical hurdles (bodily hurdles).
Spiritual View
Each individual is different from the other. Hence their energy patterns also. Energy is the one but it takes different patterns in each individual. If you have seen different Hatha yogis, some are upside down, some form a triangular pose, etc. This is because of their unique energy patterns. When a person practices Hatha yoga, a particular energy pattern is created in his/her body. Once this energy pattern is created you can know where it can be stretched towards specific directions and how to use it. To achieve that energy pattern, first, you should know that there is energy within you. This energy pattern aligns and synchronizes your senses, thoughts, and emotions. You can sit steadily in a place and meditate. It’s not possible to sit and meditate if these factors are dispersed. Once you achieve this energy pattern, you will obviously know how and what to do with this. This energy helps you to realize the source of creation also. Hatha yoga gives you immense physical and mental strength. There is no question about psychological problems only if you practice hatha yoga. Hatha yogis don’t die of any disease. They can sustain themselves at any temperature. To become a Hatha yogi, the right food, right environment, and right training are also needed. The yogic diet is mostly vegetarian, as this can be produced without unnecessary violence.
Scientific View
Hatha Yoga acknowledged that the body was actually an amazing tool for shifting our consciousness. If we work with the body and change it in specific, special ways, we can also affect the higher consciousness. Basically, it starts at the beginning, with the body. It GOES towards the perception of the self, non- entanglement to liberation. The most common thinking about hatha yoga is that it is a set of physical postures substituted for exercise or gym. The next level of thought is that it brings calmness and balance to the body and the mind. Basically, in the physical aspect, it is right to some extent. But it gives much more than what we think not only physically but also meta-physically. In Hatha, less oxygen is required as compared to other exercises. In Hatha, the stillness of body and mind is given more importance than movement.
Benefits
Hatha yoga brings about a balance between the male and female aspects within us. Only then spiritual progress is possible. This aspect is depicted in ‘Ardhanareeshwara’ of Shiva. Hatha yoga is a profound science to understand once energy and transcend the physical nature.
