Hatha Yoga’s Ancient Wisdom Revealed

Hatha Yoga is a topic that nobody can get enough of due to its long and interesting history and the details it has. If you want a detailed explanation on the meaning, history and practice of Hatha Yoga, we have already written a blog on that which you can read by clicking here: What Is Hatha Yoga? Meaning, History & Practice Explained. 

In this blog we are sharing with you Hatha Yoga philosophy and its ancient wisdom. So, keep reading till the end!

Hatha Yoga’s Mythological Origin

Before gaining any knowledge on Hatha Yoga, it is important in this series of hatha yoga philosophy to learn about its origin!

The first Hatha yogi is a medieval Indian sage named Matsyendranatha.

Did You Know?

The story behind Matsyendranatha becoming the first Hatha yogi is very interesting!

According to the Hindu legends,  Matsyendranatha was thrown into an ocean when he was just a baby as he had inauspicious birth stars. When done so, he was swallowed by a fish, and he lived inside the fish. At the bottom of the same ocean, Lord Shiva was sharing the secrets of yoga to Goddess Parvati. The fish that had swallowed the sage swam to that very place and overheard the teachings. This led to Matsyendranath hearing everything through the fish and he started practicing yoga inside the fish. After twelve years the sage finally emerged as a Siddha Purush (an enlightened practitioner of this form of yoga). Matsyendranath later started spreading the knowledge of Hatha Yoga and taught them to his disciples.

Gorakshanath is Matsyendranatha’s most notable disciple who established the discipline of Hatha yoga in India. Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath together authored some of its earliest texts related to Hatha Yoga. The principles mentioned in these texts gave rise to another era of yoga which was known as “post-classical yoga”.

Interesting Fact

Matsyendranatha literally means “the lord of the fishes” and this story was the reason behind his unique name.

What Makes Hatha Yoga Philosophy Different from Traditional Yoga?

While Traditional Yoga or Classical Yoga primarily focused on meditation, Hatha Yoga gave more importance to the physical body.

As we have mentioned in our Hatha Yoga blog,

“Hatha Yoga means the stubborn practice of yoga without the interference of the five senses and the mind.”

The Era of Classical Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga philosophy of the Classical Hatha Yoga era period was marked by the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which is still considered one of the most influential texts on this discipline, written in the 15th century by Swami Svatmarama, a student of Gorakhnath.

Interesting Fact

The other important Hatha Yoga scriptures are:

• Gheranda Samhita
• Shiva Samhita

What is the Main Purpose of Hatha Yoga?

Understanding Hatha Yoga philosophy through its main purpose or aim makes it easier to understand!

These are the primary aims of Hatha yoga:

1. Prioritising healthy body

According to the ancient scriptures of Hatha Yoga philosophy, only in a healthy body does a healthy mind reside and that is why importance has been given to practising the yoga poses with steadiness and ease so that it builds stamina and flexibility and increases strength.

2. Controlling the mind through breath

It is a common Hatha Yoga philosophy that the mind can be controlled by controlling one’s breath, and therefore, Hatha yoga focuses on different breathing techniques.

3. Relaxing the mind

By practicing Hatha yoga, one can relax the body and senses leading to a calm state of mind.

4. Taking the right diet

A healthy, nutritious and vegetarian diet is the right diet as it provides the right amount of energy to the body and mind.

5. Think positive!

The balance of mind can be brought about by thinking positively which is important in Hatha yoga.

Comparing Hatha Yoga Philosophy with Other Yoga Styles

The modern Hatha Yoga is slow-paced and gentle and is considered ideal for beginners. You can understand which yoga branch is best for you through this blog we wrote to compare three different types of yoga styles: Which Yoga Style Is Best for You? Hatha Yoga vs Vinyasa vs Yin

Additionally, for more clarity, here is the comparison of Hatha Yoga with Ashtanga Yoga and Power Yoga:

Hatha Yoga vs. Ashtanga Yoga

Hatha Yoga vs. Power Yoga

Hatha Yoga Philosophy: The DOs and DON’Ts

Let us first understand the things you should do while doing Hatha Yoga:

1. You Should Focus on Your Breath

Mindful breathing is one of the most important elements of Hatha Yoga. Focusing on the breath makes the mind stay in the present moment and deepens the connection between body and breath-work.

2. You Should Hold the Poses

It is important to stay still while doing a posture. This makes sure that the body settles and the internal energies activate as movement disturbs the subtle internal processes that each asana creates.

3. You Should Practice in a Quiet Environment

Practicing in a quiet, undisturbed and calm space helps the mind to settle and focus deep, which is essential in Hatha Yoga.

Here are the things you should absolutely avoid while practicing Hatha Yoga:

1. You Shouldn’t Speak

While doing Hatha Yoga you shouldn’t speak as it only disturbs the practice.

2. You Shouldn’t Drink Water

Doing Hatha Yoga produces heat in the body, and drinking water during this process can cause damage to the system.

3. You Shouldn’t Do It After a Meal

Doing Hatha Yoga on an empty stomach is important as it promotes upward flow of energies.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know about the origin of Hatha Yoga and Hatha Yoga philosophy, you might be interested in knowing about some other details related to it like its benefits, the most common yoga poses and its principles. To know about these things, you can read the blog written by Dr. Ram Jain, PhD (Yoga) by clicking here: What Is Hatha Yoga? Meaning, History & Practice Explained.