Hatha Yoga Postures

Hatha Yoga is an ancient Indian system of harmonising body and mind. It has no parallel with other systems of physical exercises such as gymnastics... The most popular Sanskrit word Yoga literally means To Unite or To Join. Initially through the Yoga Sutras of the great sage Patanjali the knowledge was meant to unite the psyche or Soul (Embodied Consciousness) with the Over-self, which is the real-self, existing in a higher dimension and controlling the psyche on earth). The comprehensive system developed for this union of soul and over-self was the Raja-Yoga or Royal path to self-realization. This is also known as the Ashtaang Yoga (Yoga with 8 limbs or steps)as it has eight steps viz.Yam, Niyam, Aasan, Pranayaam, Pratyahaar, Dharna, Dhayan, Smadhi. The 3rd step or limb is Aasan which means a sitting posture. This is important because meditation which comes at the 7th stage or step is possible only when the student is able to sit comfortably for long hours without feeling cramps and tensions in the physical body. For correct physical posture and ability to sit in that posture for long hours can be achieved only when the whole physical body is well toned and the mind is under control. A Unique System to tone-up Body and Mind So a unique system called Hatha Yoga was developed by Indias super-intelligent and spiritually wise sagesto tone-up body and mind. The word Hatha literally means firmness or determination but here in connection with the name Hatha Yoga it means, that Yoga which is to be done with full resolve in other words the postures must not be done half-heartedly and with wandering attention, rather with full concentration. For getting maximum benefits out of the postures you need to discipline your mind to focus full attention at the required energy center and breathe as per instructions. A Friendly Advice to Western People Do not just blindly copy your Eastern friends. Due to type of food, varying climates, plenty of physical activity and harsh conditions of life generally the people of the east have a much more flexible body as compared to that of an average westerner.

So forcibly undertaking difficult posters of Hatha Yoga may only do harm instead of benefit. For all my westerner friends who wish to follow Hatha Yoga I suggest the following easy steps which will increase flexibility of body. So after following these regularly for a couple of months they will be well prepared to fully enter Hatha Yoga: Reduce intake of refined foods and increase intake of vegetables, fruits and whole wheat items. Walk briskly for at least a kilometer in the morning and evening in order to exercise the whole body and increase intake of oxygen. Reduce intake of meat as it is acidic and impairs digestion and makes one lethargic. Sit in Vajra Aasan as explained below soon after meals and whenever you feel tired after walking. This simple posture will improve your digestion and help in removing toxins from the body. Sit comfortably in the final position (4) by focusing your attention at the umbilical center and breathe normally.