The Lineage of Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is one of the most recognised practices of yoga today, largely responsible for introducing the world to the physical postures known as asanas. While it may be relatively younger than other non movement yogic traditions, its influence on modern yoga practices 600 years later is profound.

The Meaning of Hatha

The term Hatha comes from two Sanskrit words:

• "Ha" meaning Sun

• "Tha" meaning Moon

  
  

These celestial bodies symbolise the dual energies that exist in all aspects of nature, including within the human body. The Sun represents masculine energy, while the Moon symbolises feminine energy.

These energies also correspond to the five fundamental elements from which the human body is made:

• Space (Ether)

• Air

• Fire

• Water

• Earth

The Moon affects the water element (human body is about 75% water), and the Sun influences the fire element. Balancing these forces through physical and energetic practices is the essence of Hatha Yoga.

Origins and Textual Foundation

The foundational text of Hatha Yoga is Hatha Pradipika, composed in the 15th century CE by Swami Swatamarama. The title Pradipika translates to "light" or "to illuminate," indicating its purpose to shine light on the yogic path.

Swatamarama drew from older Sanskrit scriptures and teachings of thirty-five earlier Hatha Yoga masters. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika contains 389 shlokas (verses) organised into four chapters, covering:

• Shatkarmas (purification techniques)

• Asanas (physical postures)

• Pranayama (breath control)

• Chakras (spiritual centers)

• Kundalini (life force energy)

• Bandhas (energy locks)

• Mudras (energetic gestures)

• Nadis (energy channels)

• Prana (vital energy)

Hatha Yoga as a Foundation for Raja Yoga

Swami Swatamarama emphasised that Hatha Yoga is a preparatory practice for Raja Yoga, the path of meditation and self-realisation. According to him, gaining mastery over the body and breath (the gross and subtle energies) makes it easier to attain mastery over the mind, which is the goal of Raja Yoga. Rather than beginning with direct mental control, which can be difficult, Hatha Yoga offers a more accessible and embodied path to self-discipline and inner transformation.

15 Asanas of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

1. Swastikasana – The Auspicious Pose

2. Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

3. Veerasana – Hero's Pose

4. Koormasana – Tortoise Pose

5. Kukkutasana – Cockerel Pose

6. Uttanakoormasana – Stretching Tortoise Pose

7. Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

8. Matsyendrasana – Spinal Twist Pose

9. Paschimottanasana – Back Stretching Pose

10. Mayurasana – Peacock Pose

11. Shavasana – Corpse Pose

12. Siddhasana – Adept's Pose

13. Padmasana – Lotus Pose

14. Simhasana – Lion Pose

15. Bhadrasana – Gracious Pose

    
    

These postures are not said not be merely physical exercises but are designed to open energetic channels, purify the body, and prepare a yogi for deeper meditative states.