{"id":287,"date":"2023-09-16T12:16:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T12:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/?p=287"},"modified":"2024-06-11T09:55:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T09:55:43","slug":"hatha-yoga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/hatha-yoga\/","title":{"rendered":"<strong>Understanding The Aspects of Hatha Yoga &#8211; Tips for Beginners<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you want to know about authentic <strong>Hatha Yoga<\/strong>, then you should read <strong>Hatha Yoga Pradipika.<\/strong> This book stresses the development of self-discipline and control. The other textbooks which speak about Hatha Yoga are <strong>Gheranda Samhita<\/strong>, the <strong>Upanishads<\/strong>, and the<strong> Puranas<\/strong>. So, as a beginner, you should have a copy of either of the above.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hatha Yoga is the first yogic form that came down from <strong>Adidev<\/strong>, and it prepares the individual for higher states of consciousness. The very essence of Hatha Yoga is forgotten today. Most people practice this form, for physical benefits, rather than mental ones. Hatha Yoga does strengthen the external body so that the practitioner can see within. <strong>Internal purification<\/strong> is one of the lessons that Hatha Yoga teaches. You will be able to learn about all the aspects of this divine practice, given the right guidance. You will unearth a huge reservoir of information, as you progress here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a beginner, you must follow some guidelines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/hatha-yoga\/#Understanding_the_Origins_and_Philosophy_Of_Hatha_Yoga\" title=\"Understanding the Origins and Philosophy Of Hatha Yoga&nbsp;\">Understanding the Origins and Philosophy Of Hatha Yoga&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/hatha-yoga\/#Setting_Realistic_Goals\" title=\"Setting Realistic Goals\">Setting Realistic Goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/hatha-yoga\/#Staying_Consistent_With_Your_Practice\" title=\"Staying Consistent With Your Practice&nbsp;\">Staying Consistent With Your Practice&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Origins_and_Philosophy_Of_Hatha_Yoga\"><\/span><strong>Understanding the Origins and Philosophy Of Hatha Yoga&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we were discussing, Hatha Yoga has changed its trajectory in the course of time. When it was created by Lord Shiva, it was more philosophical in nature. Patanjali had also penned down one of the most valuable written scripts for the future generations to follow, named The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Yoga Sutras<\/strong>.<\/a> The book mentions the 8 limbs of Hatha Yoga, which include<strong> Yama, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter which yoga form you learn today, it originated from <strong>Patanjali\u2019s Yoga Sutras<\/strong>. According to the texts, the eight limbs of yoga form the moral codes of conduct for all yoga practitioners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1200px-Eight_Limbs_of_Yoga_diagram.svg_-1024x567.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1200px-Eight_Limbs_of_Yoga_diagram.svg_-1024x567.png 1024w, https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1200px-Eight_Limbs_of_Yoga_diagram.svg_-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1200px-Eight_Limbs_of_Yoga_diagram.svg_-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1200px-Eight_Limbs_of_Yoga_diagram.svg_.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/the-yamas-and-niyamas\/\">Yama<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 It is about the activities, which one needs to refrain from doing. They are the practice of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/the-yamas-and-niyamas\/\"><strong>Niyama<\/strong>s<\/a> \u2013 This is the next sutra, which Patanjali talked about. The Niyamas are Saucha, Santosa, Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Isvara Pranidhana. A practicing yogi is supposed to abide by these.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Asanas<\/strong> \u2013 This is the third sutra, which seems to have achieved a very prominent position today. Yoga poses or asanas, mainly help you to develop discipline and focus. It is a way to body mastery so that you can concentrate on activities, which can assist you to merge with the higher consciousness.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pranayama<\/strong> \u2013 It consists of a set of breathing techniques that help in harnessing the \u2018Prana\u2019. Breath manipulation can help you to control various life processes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pratyahara<\/strong> \u2013 It relates to the withdrawal of all your sensory pleasures. The less you crave for the external, the more time and energy you get to delve within.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dharana<\/strong> \u2013 It means concentration. You will be able to remove objectionable thoughts from your mind if you practice this sutra.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dhyana<\/strong> \u2013 This sutra comes next and relates to the development of awareness. It differs from the former, as it is a state of mindfulness, without any particular focus.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Samadhi<\/strong> \u2013 It is the final stage when the yogi is in sync with the universe. It also refers to the state of absolute enlightenment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For most of you, accepting Samadhi may pose challenges. You need a lot of perseverance to be on the right track.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_Realistic_Goals\"><\/span><strong>Setting Realistic Goals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The actual purpose of <strong>Hatha Yoga<\/strong> is to open the consciousness toward the realization of the self. All those who aim to reach the final state of enlightenment must follow a few steps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to unlock the benefits of Hatha Yoga, one needs to follow the teachings of Verse 16 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. They include the practice of positive attitude, perseverance, mindful discrimination, immovable faith, courage, and the avoidance of the company of negative people.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Positive Attitude<\/strong> \u2013 If you develop a positive attitude towards life in general, you will get one step closer to the benefits of Hatha Yoga. If you are convinced about the reasons behind your urge to practice, that is half the battle won. Motivation is the key to starting your practice.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Perseverance<\/strong> \u2013 If you are a yoga learner, who is having difficulty getting into a certain pose, you may become discouraged. However, Hatha Yoga is not just about poses. There are other kriyas, which you can practice alongside. Additionally, do not practice, just for the sake of it. You need to practice regularly so that the muscles and tissues loosen and open up. Stop thinking about the outcomes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mindful Discrimination<\/strong> \u2013 You should also be clever enough to discriminate between the conducive and non-conducive. If your actions are holding you back, stop those right away. The main aim of yoga practice is self-realization, so you are tasked with the decision-making. One of the aspects related to this key factor is the choice of food. Yogis are supposed to eat Sattvic food, as it is lighter and easy to digest. This leaves you with a lot of inherent energies, to direct towards the achievement of higher goals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Immovable Faith<\/strong> \u2013 It is another key, which will take you a step closer to your ultimate goal. You should have total faith in your teachers, your practice, and the path you have chosen. If you have belief, you will automatically forget about the returns. They are bound to come to you, one day or the other.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Courage <\/strong>\u2013 Here courage relates to mundane things, rather than physical acts. You may fear sitting for a long time, in the cross-legged position. Meditation may be difficult, but you have to push yourself to practice the same. Most people lack the courage to let go off their ego. Try out things that you fear the most.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoidance Of The Company Of Negative People<\/strong> \u2013 It is about staying away from people, with whom you do not sync. They can also drain all your good energies. So, staying away from such people and finding company in like-minded people is stressed here.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Staying_Consistent_With_Your_Practice\"><\/span><strong>Staying Consistent With Your Practice&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You should try to maintain regularity with your <strong>Hatha Yoga practice<\/strong>. Set a time each day, for the same. It is not always necessary to start big. You can start with easy asanas and kriyas. You must also ensure to choose a good teacher, who will inspire you. You can master Hatha Yoga if you keep the above aspects in mind. If you are a beginner, who is just starting out, stick to the keys to attain prosperity through yoga.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to know about authentic Hatha Yoga, then you should read Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This book stresses the development of self-discipline and control. The other textbooks which speak about Hatha Yoga are Gheranda Samhita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. So, as a beginner, you should have a copy of either of the above.&nbsp; Hatha Yoga is the first yogic form that came down from Adidev, and it prepares the individual for higher states of consciousness. The very essence of Hatha Yoga is forgotten today. Most people practice this form, for physical benefits, rather than mental ones. Hatha Yoga does strengthen the external body so that the practitioner can see within. Internal purification is one of the lessons that Hatha Yoga teaches. You will be able to learn about all the aspects of this divine practice, given the right guidance. You will unearth a huge reservoir of information, as you progress here.&nbsp; As a beginner, you must follow some guidelines.&nbsp; Understanding the Origins and Philosophy Of Hatha Yoga&nbsp; As we were discussing, Hatha Yoga has changed its trajectory in the course of time. When it was created by Lord Shiva, it was more philosophical in nature. Patanjali had also penned down one of the most valuable written scripts for the future generations to follow, named The Yoga Sutras. The book mentions the 8 limbs of Hatha Yoga, which include Yama, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.&nbsp; No matter which yoga form you learn today, it originated from Patanjali\u2019s Yoga Sutras. According to the texts, the eight limbs of yoga form the moral codes of conduct for all yoga practitioners.&nbsp; For most of you, accepting Samadhi may pose challenges. You need a lot of perseverance to be on the right track.&nbsp; Setting Realistic Goals The actual purpose of Hatha Yoga is to open the consciousness toward the realization of the self. All those who aim to reach the final state of enlightenment must follow a few steps.&nbsp; In order to unlock the benefits of Hatha Yoga, one needs to follow the teachings of Verse 16 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. They include the practice of positive attitude, perseverance, mindful discrimination, immovable faith, courage, and the avoidance of the company of negative people.&nbsp;&nbsp; Staying Consistent With Your Practice&nbsp; You should try to maintain regularity with your Hatha Yoga practice. Set a time each day, for the same. It is not always necessary to start big. You can start with easy asanas and kriyas. You must also ensure to choose a good teacher, who will inspire you. You can master Hatha Yoga if you keep the above aspects in mind. If you are a beginner, who is just starting out, stick to the keys to attain prosperity through yoga.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[64,62,66,63,67,65],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/287"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=287"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":306,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/287\/revisions\/306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namasteyogaschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}