<Tri-Unity Wellife: Hatha Yoga Practical and Esoteric
Hatha Yoga: Practical and Esoteric
The Art and Science of Classical Yoga has it's origin in ancient India. Records date back as far as approximately 4000 years BC. It is thought that the first human to contemplate him/her self as part of a vaster whole began to see reflections or aspects of him/her self in nature and began to emulate what he saw (masculine gender pronouns will be used henceforth unless more specificity is necessary, with a full understanding that the feminine principle is at work and acknowledged as well here). What was in his contemplation's about what he saw began to take form in certain posturing and movements. This is why many of the Asanas (postures) we find in the Yoga teachings of today resemble and are named after animal and other natural forms, e.g., the lion pose, the tree, or mountain pose. In Indian history the credit for this origin goes to "Adisvara (the Primeval Lord Shiva) who first taught the science of Hatha Yoga." Let it be assumed that these beginnings predate written records. The world renowned Yoga authority B. K. S. Iyengar relates in his book Light On Yoga, "Yoga is a timeless pragmatic science evolved over thousands of years dealing with the physical, moral, mental, and spiritual well being of man as a whole." It wasn't until 200 BC. that the classic treatise, the Yoga Sutras (or Aphorisms), by Patanjali, finally systematized the healthy and philosophical practice of yoga in book form.
Many styles of yoga are available and are a part of a larger practice perspective. Hatha Yoga is the most commonly known and refers to the physical practice with respect to mind/body balance and flexibility. This is the form we are most familiar with in the West. Other forms are: Bakti Yoga (devotional dance, celebration), Karma Yoga (other centered duty or service), Kundalini Yoga (more intense bio-energetic relevant to chakra centers in spine), Tantric Yoga (fullness of conscious embrace) and Raja Yoga (the whole science integrated). Each are valid paths. The whole science is beyond the scope of this article so the perspective that interests us here is Hatha*.
I am often asked in class if yoga is a religion; in and of itself it is not. The art and science of yoga stems from deep contemplation about the personal condition and human destiny and as such can encompass one's whole being and lifestyle or one can practice any aspect of yoga and incorporate it into any lifestyle. The larger body of yogic teachings can be considered as a spiritual practice. Hatha Yoga is simply a branch of this field. The conscientious practice of yoga can be spiritually beneficial serve to enhance one's growth, whatever one's spiritual path, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, etc... The practice, though of Indian origin, honors all beliefs of the aspirant. In fact the only place from which we can effect growth and change is from where we are...and to honor that is of utmost importance. This brings perspective to the oft quoted phrase 'when the student is ready the teacher will appear.' As in all learning, a teacher or skilled coach/observer is desirable in a student's development.
The development of self discipline and commitment produce the desired traits which effectively expedite the practice of Hatha Yoga. To the degree one observes the discipline and consistency necessary for commitment is to the degree toward which one will reap the benefits of the practice. Balance, strength and flexibility in body and mind are among these benefits. The main purpose of yoga practice is to bring harmony and alignment to all aspects of one's being.
The word 'yoga' means 'union' or 'to yoke together.' Ha-(Sun), Tha- (Moon)...by definition, in translation imply balance. As we have mentioned, hatha seeks mind/body balance, the mind representing solar and the body representing lunar aspects. The practice leads to of strengthening and toning the body and harmony between the right and the left brain hemispheres and body functions. With guidance, an integrated wholeness can be achieved.
A prospering practice has a very positive effect on one's self esteem and self love. Our self concept is affected when we see and feel progress in any thing we attempt in our lives. In a successful practice we have variable increments of change in our ability to commit and extend ourselves in the work and it affects our health for the better. It simply is good exercise. All of our systems and bodily functions are encouraged to work together and toxic waste is released from those hard to reach areas under regular conditions. Circulation of blood and vital nutrients are enhanced. The toxic or stale blood is more effectively removed and replaced by fresh oxygenated circulation.
When a posture or asana is implemented, the student is encouraged to move within his/her limits and be gentle with the process. Play at the edge of your limits careful not to compromise them. This means that when engaging in a posture we challenge the body and mind to work in a synchronized way to ascertain when the experience begins to compromise the comfort level and tension begins to feel like pain. It is at this edge that one plays and is encouraged to not venture further. Do not 'push the river.' Our body's structure has it's own level of readiness. All in good time, with practice, this horizon (of 'limitation') gives rise to progressive change and flexibility is gained.
Another Eastern term 'Yin-Yang' also relates to balance. Yang (Ha) relates to active/expressive and expansive and masculine directed qualities whereas Yin (tha) relates to passive/receptive and intuitive or creative and feminine directed qualities of nature. The sun expands its rays, the moon receives and reflects. Similarly in the asana (posture) practice of hatha yoga the body opens up expansively and enfolds receptively. Within the practice, an internal stillness and reflective nature is maintained. To lend definition we have the following table of useful parallel concepts:
Ha - Tha
Sun - Moon
Yang - Yin
Masculine - Feminine
Active - Passive
Expressive - Receptive
Expansive - Intuitive
Causal - Creative
These concepts imply balance in their apparent duality. Harmonious integration of these apparently dual notions is the goal of yoga.
Of crucial importance in yoga practice is conscious breathing. Being mindful in the posture involves the focused use of the breath or (in yogic terms) pranayama. Put simply, prana is the energy of the atom. It permeates everything. It surrounds us and is within us. Our breath is our most vital common link between the inner and outer, our micro and macrocosm and as such is a conduit of pranic forces. Proper breathing, i.e., breathing diaphragmatically and mindfully (here is where 'coaching' is very helpful), the oxygen/carbon dioxide interchange is assured to be maximized and most efficient for the body. Vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, reproductive organs, and others are assured top form and preparedness to assimilate change. As we expand and contract through use of breath and prana, a special and intimate interchange with our universe is completed. With every breath we embrace our selves, the 'in-breath' opens with invitation and the 'out-breath' releases with a 'letting go' of what has been utilized. As we stretch our body/mind with the science of hatha yoga and pranayama there is much opening and releasing occurring which leads to cleansing and renewal. This process encourages a flexibility of being. Transformation occurs in the process of the practice.
To illustrate the major benefit of cleansing and renewal I present the following analogy. A scrub sponge after cleaning with it has contaminants in it. When run under the tap (circulation of fresh water) while squeezing it several times, each time it releases it's waste and becomes cleaner and soon the water coming through is clean and pure. Similarly, the same thing happens as the practitioner of hatha stretches, twists and bends to assume differing postures squeezing the muscle groups and internal organs of the body while applying the breath in a mindful way, thus, cleansing and renewal occurs. It is in the holding of the asana in contemplative stillness for a time and then releasing it, while freshly oxygenated circulation passes through the system in the different positions that accomplishes the work. This analogy explains just a small part of how hatha yoga works. Efficient and miraculous a biological machine, as the human body is, toxins and waste can and do build up in certain areas creating sludge and pockets of waste internally over time, contributing to stress on the system. With the geometric twists, stretches and inversions as-well-as the linear and diagonal reaches of yoga asanas and pranayama, our bodies are encouraged to release and cleanse lending to the strengthening and fine-tuning of this wondrous human instrument.
There are many asanas in the practice that I could say are favorite but one comes to mind that exemplifies the analogy just stated, the Utthita Trikonasana or Extended/Stretched Triangle, illustrated in one of the photos provided. On the inhale jum/stretch apart; all limbs are laterally stretched out; legs at the feet, about three feet apart, arms raised out in alignment with the shoulders, lead foot, say right, sideways 90 degrees, left foot slightly angled to the right; on the exhale, keeping right knee cap tight and legs firm-straight spine, bend the torso sideways toward the right at pelvis, torso facing forward, so that the right hand comes close to the right foot-flat to the floor if possible or grab the shin area of the leg; ...breathe... There are many things to watch and adjust, some subtle, so that greatest benefit is derived from an asana. After 30 seconds (for beginners) or so, about three to four deep diaphragmatic breaths, return to standing, on the inhale and repeat to the other side to counter-balance the system. In this asana the system is diagonally squeezed while extended. The main organs affected are heart, lung, gall bladder/liver on the right and stomach/spleen/pancreas on the left. The spinal column or lifeline of the body, is effected in all postures. This asana is a good posture for toning the leg and pelvic muscles, removing stiffness, corrects minor deformities and encourages even development in legs; strengthens ankles, neck, back, develops chest, rib cage, relieves neck sprains and aching back.
The first more obvious results noticed in the practice are physical. If you have excess weight you will loose it, if you need tone you will gain it, if your energy feels sluggish, it will pick up, if there is anxiety, one will experience calm and so on. In addition to these general changes there is evidence that the practice of yoga increases longevity, reduces neuromuscular as well as skeletal and nervous tension and stress, and increases endorphin production. Many arthritic conditions are alleviated and all systems of the body are positively affected. The reflective quality of balance is creative and as such can be observed and achieved as one mindful practices. Eventually one comes to learn that each posture is a kind of meditation. Harmony and poise is achieved between movement and stillness. This self loving active meditation requires less and less 'discipline' as one embraces the joy of self realization. One attunes the body and mind to a higher frequency of vibration and of universal Self.
*Note: This is a general article intended to be an overview of some main components of the topic; please let us know if you enjoyed it and the author will elucidate more specifically on the subject or certain aspects of the subject. This may include other forms of self conditioning, body/mind work and serious play. Though it can be therapeutic in nature the practice of hatha yoga is not intended to be a replacement for medical attention. If indicated or if in doubt please consult your health care provider.
From an Article 3/15/92 By Ken-Adi Ring, C. M. T., C. Y. T., Member A.M.T.A Yoga Practitioner/Teacher since '75