Hatha Yoga

While yoga as a whole is a philosophy of living that includes spiritual and mental practices, Hatha Yoga refers mainly to the physical aspect of yoga practice. As most of us identify with the physical body, this is where our journey most often begins.

The physical postures are called asanas and one of the oldest and most well known texts on asanas is Hatha Yoga Pradipka by Swami Swatmarma, written sometime between the 6th and 15th century A.D. In Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1:17) Asana is described as;

  Prior to everything asana is spoken of as the first part of Hatha Yoga. Having done asana, one attains steadiness of body and mind, freedom from disease and lightness of the limbs.

In some yoga traditions asanas are seen mainly as a means of sitting comfortably to aid meditation. For example, Patanjali describes asana in the Yoga Sutras as a position that is comfortable and steady (Sthiram Sukham Aasanam). Hatha Yoga, however, sees asanas as a means to open energy channels and provide mental focus. They aid us in utilizing the body, breath and mind to treat disease, and improve the quality of our mental and physical well being. A goal that is just as relevant to our students in the east end of St. John’s as it was to the ancient yogis in the Indian Himalayas.

While asana or physical postures are not 100% of Hatha Yoga they are an important element in reaping the full benefits of yoga practice.