Classical Hatha YogaClassical Hatha YogaThe sublime philosophy ~ theory underpinning the The sublime philosophy ~ theory underpinning the

sophisticatedsophisticated Sadhana ~ methodology of Classical Hatha Yoga Sadhana ~ methodology of Classical Hatha Yoga

Kundalini

Chakras

Nadis

Bandha

Mudra

Pranayama

Asana

Shatkarmas

OverviewOverview• In today’s society the word Hatha Yoga has come

to mean to the uninitiated many things.

• Often Yoga teachers try to promote Asanas as Hatha Yoga, thus not only deluding their students but also they are perpetuating a false understanding in themselves.

• Everyone suffers as spiritual realization becomes only a pipe dream. Yoga has always been about awakening, enlightment of the spirit, this has never been an outcome of just Asana practice.

• By systematically following the system of “Classical Hatha Yoga” you will eventually “experience” Yoga.

ShatkarmasShatkarmas• Originally Classical Hatha Yoga, which is a complete system Originally Classical Hatha Yoga, which is a complete system

of Yoga in itself, only consisted of six techniques known as the of Yoga in itself, only consisted of six techniques known as the Shatkarmas.Shatkarmas.

• ShatkarmasShatkarmas: The main shatkarmas are Neti, Dhauti, Basti, : The main shatkarmas are Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Kapalbhati and Trataka. Classical Hatha Yoga later Nauli, Kapalbhati and Trataka. Classical Hatha Yoga later evolved over many centuries to encompass Asana, Pranayama, evolved over many centuries to encompass Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha. Mudra, Bandha.

• Classical Hatha Yoga is a tried and proven path to self-Classical Hatha Yoga is a tried and proven path to self-realization that has been finely honed and developed by realization that has been finely honed and developed by Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan Yoga Masters for millennia.Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan Yoga Masters for millennia.

• It not only confers a healthy mind and body but also leads the It not only confers a healthy mind and body but also leads the sincere and dedicated aspirant to psychic and spiritual sincere and dedicated aspirant to psychic and spiritual awakening and to the discovery of their inherent creative awakening and to the discovery of their inherent creative potential.potential.

• This is the path of Yoga most suited to the Yoga aspirant of This is the path of Yoga most suited to the Yoga aspirant of today’s world as it works systematically from the grosser today’s world as it works systematically from the grosser physical body that we are already familiar with through to the physical body that we are already familiar with through to the most subtle aspects of our total personality. Thus making most subtle aspects of our total personality. Thus making Classical Hatha Yoga the ideal foundation for the most Classical Hatha Yoga the ideal foundation for the most advanced Yoga’s.advanced Yoga’s.

AsanaAsana  • AsanaAsana: Asana is the next limb of Classical Hatha Yoga. : Asana is the next limb of Classical Hatha Yoga.

In Raja Yoga, asana refers to the sitting meditative In Raja Yoga, asana refers to the sitting meditative posture used for the higher stages of Raja Yoga i.e.) posture used for the higher stages of Raja Yoga i.e.) Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi, but Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi, but in Hatha Yogain Hatha Yoga11 it means something more. it means something more.

• Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open the energy channels (nadis) and the psychic energy the energy channels (nadis) and the psychic energy centers (Chakras) .Hatha Yoga is a process through centers (Chakras) .Hatha Yoga is a process through which purification and control of the body takes place which purification and control of the body takes place by restructuring the pranic flow.by restructuring the pranic flow.

• Foremost important Asanas are: Foremost important Asanas are: Siddhasana Siddhasana or or Siddha Siddha YoniYoni AsanaAsana (Adepts pose) and (Adepts pose) and PadmasanaPadmasana (Lotus (Lotus pose) which all classical Hatha yoga texts recommend pose) which all classical Hatha yoga texts recommend as the most important to master. Additional asanas up as the most important to master. Additional asanas up to 82 are also recommended until one is ready for to 82 are also recommended until one is ready for higher Yoga’s such as Raja Yoga or Kriya Yoga, which is higher Yoga’s such as Raja Yoga or Kriya Yoga, which is an advanced form of Kundalini Yoga. The Classical an advanced form of Kundalini Yoga. The Classical Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are:Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita,Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita,Hathratnavali, Shiva SatarkaHathratnavali, Shiva Satarka

PranayamaPranayama

• PranayamaPranayama: Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga : Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga following Shatkarmas and Asana. Classically Pranayama following Shatkarmas and Asana. Classically Pranayama is commenced after ones body has been prepared is commenced after ones body has been prepared through Asana and one has commenced to moderate through Asana and one has commenced to moderate and purify the diet and is practicing some shatkarmas and purify the diet and is practicing some shatkarmas according to the instructions of the teacher.according to the instructions of the teacher.

• The word “Prana” is a combination of two syllables, pra The word “Prana” is a combination of two syllables, pra and na. Prana denotes constancy, a force in constant and na. Prana denotes constancy, a force in constant motion. Prana is the vital life force and pranayama is the motion. Prana is the vital life force and pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic store is increased process by which the internal pranic store is increased or expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the words or expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the words prana and ayama, which means” pranic capacity or prana and ayama, which means” pranic capacity or length”.length”.

• Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency.prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency.

BandhaBandha• Bandha: Bandha: Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga following Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga following

the Shatkarmas, Asana and Pranayama.the Shatkarmas, Asana and Pranayama.• A Bandha is a Psychomuscular energy lock, which redirects A Bandha is a Psychomuscular energy lock, which redirects

the flow of psychic energy “Prana”in the body. There is the flow of psychic energy “Prana”in the body. There is mainly three Bandhas, but the combination of all three mainly three Bandhas, but the combination of all three Bandhas is sometimes used to make a fourth very important Bandhas is sometimes used to make a fourth very important lock or Bandha. The Bandhas are:1) Moola Bandhalock or Bandha. The Bandhas are:1) Moola Bandha66 triggered triggered by the contraction of the Perineum in the male and the by the contraction of the Perineum in the male and the Cervix in the female body. 2) Uddiyana Bandha : Abdominal Cervix in the female body. 2) Uddiyana Bandha : Abdominal retraction lock 3) Jalandhara Bandha : Throat lock.retraction lock 3) Jalandhara Bandha : Throat lock.

• Maha Bandha: the Great lock is the coordinated combination Maha Bandha: the Great lock is the coordinated combination of the previous three Bandhas.of the previous three Bandhas.

• Universal Prana or life force in the physical body is Universal Prana or life force in the physical body is subdivided into five prana vayus. These Prana Vayus are subdivided into five prana vayus. These Prana Vayus are operating in different locations, they flow in different operating in different locations, they flow in different directions and perform different functions. The Prana Yayus directions and perform different functions. The Prana Yayus are Apana, Samama,Prana,Vyana,Udana. The three most are Apana, Samama,Prana,Vyana,Udana. The three most important are Prana, Apana and Samana. The natural important are Prana, Apana and Samana. The natural movement of Prana is upwards, Apana downwards and movement of Prana is upwards, Apana downwards and Samana is sideways.Samana is sideways.

• Through the practice of Maha Bandha the direction of Apana Through the practice of Maha Bandha the direction of Apana and Prana is reversed and made to flow towards Samana. The and Prana is reversed and made to flow towards Samana. The force of Samana is strengthened and redirected backwards to force of Samana is strengthened and redirected backwards to help awaken the transcendental Nadi of Sushumna. help awaken the transcendental Nadi of Sushumna.

MudraMudra• MudraMudra: In classical Hatha Yoga after practicing : In classical Hatha Yoga after practicing

Shatkarma, Asana, Pranayama, Bandha the student of Shatkarma, Asana, Pranayama, Bandha the student of Hatha Yoga begins the practice of Mudra.Hatha Yoga begins the practice of Mudra.

• Mudra literally means “gesture” a physical, mental and Mudra literally means “gesture” a physical, mental and psychic attitude which expresses and channels the cosmic psychic attitude which expresses and channels the cosmic energy of Prana. energy of Prana.

• The most famous Mudras are: 2Khechari Mudra, Maha The most famous Mudras are: 2Khechari Mudra, Maha Mudra, Maha Bheda Mudra, Vipareeta Karani Mudra, Maha Bheda Mudra, Vipareeta Karani Mudra,Vajroli and Sahajoli Mudra, Naumukhi Mudra and Mudra,Vajroli and Sahajoli Mudra, Naumukhi Mudra and Yoni Mudra, Shambhavi Mudra, Manduki Mudra, Shakti Yoni Mudra, Shambhavi Mudra, Manduki Mudra, Shakti Chalini Mudra.Chalini Mudra.

• Mudra’s channel the refined and subtle pranic energy that Mudra’s channel the refined and subtle pranic energy that is produced through the preceding Asana, Pranayama, is produced through the preceding Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, and arouses or induces a particular state of mind.Bandha, and arouses or induces a particular state of mind.

• When this state arises Deep Meditation can become When this state arises Deep Meditation can become spontaneous. Cultivation of this state of high energy opens spontaneous. Cultivation of this state of high energy opens the doors of perception through which a Yogi explores the doors of perception through which a Yogi explores their consciousnesstheir consciousness

NadisNadis• Nadis: Nadis: NadisNadis are Psychic channels through which flows the distribution are Psychic channels through which flows the distribution

of prana in the Astral body or Pranamaya Kosha.of prana in the Astral body or Pranamaya Kosha.

• ““When we heat ice, we speed up the energy within it, and the ice When we heat ice, we speed up the energy within it, and the ice becomes water. The characteristic expression of water is flow. So becomes water. The characteristic expression of water is flow. So to in the pranamaya kosha, the prana flows in rivers of energy”. to in the pranamaya kosha, the prana flows in rivers of energy”. Quote: Swami Satyananda Sasaswati. Quote: Swami Satyananda Sasaswati.

• According to Ancient Yogic Texts there are 72,000 or more nadis According to Ancient Yogic Texts there are 72,000 or more nadis through which prana and consciousness are distributed throughout the through which prana and consciousness are distributed throughout the body. There are Ten main nadis out of which, three are the most body. There are Ten main nadis out of which, three are the most important. These Nadis are important. These Nadis are IdaIda, , PingalaPingala and and SushumnaSushumna. Ida is the . Ida is the channel of mental energy, Pingala the channel for vital energy and channel of mental energy, Pingala the channel for vital energy and Sushumna Nadi is the channel for spiritual energy. When the left nostril Sushumna Nadi is the channel for spiritual energy. When the left nostril is flowing Ida is active, and when the right nostril is flowing Pingala is is flowing Ida is active, and when the right nostril is flowing Pingala is active.active.

• But when both are made to flow perfectly equal for an extended period But when both are made to flow perfectly equal for an extended period of time through Sadhana (“Spiritual Practice ie: Yoga”) or other means, of time through Sadhana (“Spiritual Practice ie: Yoga”) or other means, this is said to herald the auspicious moment when the transcendental this is said to herald the auspicious moment when the transcendental Nadi of Nadi of SushumnaSushumna begins to open and flow. begins to open and flow.

• The Physiological correlate for Sushumna is the Canal Centralis of the The Physiological correlate for Sushumna is the Canal Centralis of the spinal cord. Perfection of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama and many other spinal cord. Perfection of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama and many other techniques begins the awakening of Pranas in the Pranamaya Koshatechniques begins the awakening of Pranas in the Pranamaya Kosha33 “Pranothana” and eventually through much effort Sushumna. Through “Pranothana” and eventually through much effort Sushumna. Through Sushumna Sushumna you can experience deep transcendental experiences related you can experience deep transcendental experiences related to the mystical to the mystical ChakrasChakras and and Kundalini.Kundalini.

ChakrasChakras• Chakras:Chakras: A Chakra is a Psychophysical reality or A Chakra is a Psychophysical reality or

entityentity44, a vortex of light or psychic energy existing , a vortex of light or psychic energy existing multidimensional at the interface between body and multidimensional at the interface between body and mind.mind.

• At the grosser level the Chakras have associated links At the grosser level the Chakras have associated links in the physical body through various Endocrine in the physical body through various Endocrine Glands, Nerve Plexuses, Organs and the (CNS) Brain Glands, Nerve Plexuses, Organs and the (CNS) Brain and Spinal Cord.and Spinal Cord.

• On a more subtle level Chakras operate like On a more subtle level Chakras operate like transducers stepping down the cosmic energy like a transducers stepping down the cosmic energy like a top down hierarchy of energy and consciousness top down hierarchy of energy and consciousness filtering down through the depths of the Unconscious filtering down through the depths of the Unconscious Mind to permeate the physical Body.Mind to permeate the physical Body.

• Chakras can be understood as part of the here and Chakras can be understood as part of the here and now mortal body and part of the complex and now mortal body and part of the complex and immortal collective super conscious state of the immortal collective super conscious state of the divine, which is inherent in all beings.divine, which is inherent in all beings.

KundaliniKundalini• KundaliniKundalini: The Goal of Yoga is to awaken your dormant potential, : The Goal of Yoga is to awaken your dormant potential,

which is the evolutionary spiritual force known in Tantra as which is the evolutionary spiritual force known in Tantra as Kundalini. Stabilizing the awakened state of Kundalini in Samadhi is Kundalini. Stabilizing the awakened state of Kundalini in Samadhi is the Goal of all Yogas.eg Hatha, Raja, Kriya, Kundalini.the Goal of all Yogas.eg Hatha, Raja, Kriya, Kundalini.

• Few ever achieve the highest goal which is said to be a Few ever achieve the highest goal which is said to be a transcendental state of supreme bliss at one with all of creation. It is transcendental state of supreme bliss at one with all of creation. It is only reached through diligent Sadhana for many years under the only reached through diligent Sadhana for many years under the tuition of a capable Master of this Science.tuition of a capable Master of this Science.

• This is our evolutionary destiny to have a firm grip of the experience This is our evolutionary destiny to have a firm grip of the experience of Kundalini and have permanent access to the wisdom that it of Kundalini and have permanent access to the wisdom that it reveals.reveals.

QuotesQuotes• KKundalini does not belong to the physical body, though it has to be undalini does not belong to the physical body, though it has to be

searched for there, nor in the mental body or even in the astral body. searched for there, nor in the mental body or even in the astral body. It is in the unconscious causal body, in that particular state of It is in the unconscious causal body, in that particular state of awareness where the concept of time, space and object is completely awareness where the concept of time, space and object is completely lost. The seat of the unconscious in man is in the perineum, known in lost. The seat of the unconscious in man is in the perineum, known in yogic terminology as Mooladhara. It is a gland, a muscle, it is a body yogic terminology as Mooladhara. It is a gland, a muscle, it is a body in which all the unconscious powers and initiatives of man are in which all the unconscious powers and initiatives of man are hidden. “Quote by hidden. “Quote by Swami Satyananda SaraswatiSwami Satyananda Saraswati””

• 55By Pranayama and other yogic processes the static Shakti is By Pranayama and other yogic processes the static Shakti is affected and becomes dynamic. When completely dynamic, when affected and becomes dynamic. When completely dynamic, when Kundalini unites with Siva “Divine Consciousness” in the Sahasrara, Kundalini unites with Siva “Divine Consciousness” in the Sahasrara, the polarization of the body gives way. The two poles are united in the polarization of the body gives way. The two poles are united in one and there is the state of consciousness called Samadhi. “Quote one and there is the state of consciousness called Samadhi. “Quote by by Swami Sivananda Saraswati”Swami Sivananda Saraswati”

Expansion of important points on the Expansion of important points on the theory of Pranayama theory of Pranayama

• Through Pranayama mind and breath can Through Pranayama mind and breath can become calm and in this calmness when become calm and in this calmness when the nadis are purified the mystical Chakras the nadis are purified the mystical Chakras and deep meditation can be awakened.and deep meditation can be awakened.

• Many different branches of Yoga utilize the Many different branches of Yoga utilize the effectiveness of Pranayama. As one effectiveness of Pranayama. As one becomes more advanced in the pranayamas becomes more advanced in the pranayamas of Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Kriya of Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Kriya Yoga can become more achievable Yoga can become more achievable Sadhanas.Sadhanas.

• Pranayama is a supremely valuable Jewel in Pranayama is a supremely valuable Jewel in the Yogic repertoire.the Yogic repertoire.

ConclusionConclusion

Some Verses of WisdomSome Verses of WisdomFrom theFrom the

Hatha Yoga PradipikaHatha Yoga PradipikaCirca 6Circa 6thth Century AD Century AD  

• C1Ver43:C1Ver43: There is no asana like There is no asana like SiddhasanaSiddhasana, no , no Kumbhaka like Kumbhaka like KevalaKevala, no Mudra like , no Mudra like KechariKechari and no and no Laya or dissolution of the mind like Laya or dissolution of the mind like NadaNada, the inner , the inner soundsound

• C2Ver75:C2Ver75: There is no doubt; the state of Raja Yoga is There is no doubt; the state of Raja Yoga is also attained through Kevala Kumbhaka. By retention also attained through Kevala Kumbhaka. By retention Kundalini is aroused, Sushumna becomes unobstructed Kundalini is aroused, Sushumna becomes unobstructed and perfection of Hatha Yoga takes placeand perfection of Hatha Yoga takes place

• C2Ver76:C2Ver76: There can be no perfection if Hatha Yoga is There can be no perfection if Hatha Yoga is without Raja Yoga or Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga. without Raja Yoga or Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga. Therefore, through practice of both, perfection is Therefore, through practice of both, perfection is obtainedobtained

• C4Ver114:C4Ver114: While the prana does not flow in the middle While the prana does not flow in the middle passage (Sushumna), while the Bindu is not steadied by passage (Sushumna), while the Bindu is not steadied by restraining the Prana, while the mind does not reflect restraining the Prana, while the mind does not reflect spontaneous Meditation, then those who speak of spontaneous Meditation, then those who speak of Spiritual knowledge are only indulging in boastful and Spiritual knowledge are only indulging in boastful and false talesfalse tales

ReferencesReferences• Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda: Commentary by Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda: Commentary by

Hatha Yoga Pradipika1Hatha Yoga Pradipika1 by Yogi Swatmarama, Bihar School of Yogaby Yogi Swatmarama, Bihar School of YogaMunger, Bihar, India, 1985Munger, Bihar, India, 1985

• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda, Saraswati, Swami Satyananda, Kundalini Tantra2 Kundalini Tantra2 Bihar School of Yoga,Bihar School of Yoga,Munger, Bihar, India, 1984Munger, Bihar, India, 1984

•   Saraswati, Swami NiranjananandaSaraswati, Swami NiranjananandaPrana Pranayama Pranavidya3Prana Pranayama Pranavidya3Bihar School of YogaBihar School of YogaMunger, Bihar, India, 1994Munger, Bihar, India, 1994

•   Saraswati, Swami Anandakapila (Dr.Jonn Mumford)Saraswati, Swami Anandakapila (Dr.Jonn Mumford)A Chakra & Kundalini Workbook4A Chakra & Kundalini Workbook4Llewellyn PublicationsLlewellyn PublicationsSt. Paul, MN, USA, 1993St. Paul, MN, USA, 1993

• Saraswati, Swami SivanandaSaraswati, Swami SivanandaKundalini Yoga -Yoga Kundalini Upanishad, Tenth Ed5,Kundalini Yoga -Yoga Kundalini Upanishad, Tenth Ed5,Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, UP, IndiaDivine Life Society, Rishikesh, UP, India

•   Saraswati, Swami Buddhananda,Saraswati, Swami Buddhananda,Moola Bandha the Master Key6Moola Bandha the Master Key6Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, 1978 Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, 1978 

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