What is “Hatha yoga”?
20th February 2018| H a t h a Y o g a |
Hatha refers to the balance of sun and moon, activity & rest, masculine & feminine, yin yang.
This balancing act neutralises the extremes of rajas guna (movement) and tamas guna (lack of movement) allowing us to enter into the state of sattva guna (balance/mode of goodness) “this state of balance serves as a doorway to our true being, which is beyond the gunas.” ~ integrative yoga therapy.
It is said in the hatha yoga pradipika in the commentary by swami Muktibodhananda (2012) “hatha yoga is to be practised for the sole purpose of preparing oneself for the highest state of raja yoga, i.e. samadhi”.
The word samadhi can be roughly translated to enlightenment, or one who has transcended the gunas/ modes of nature.
So next time you are in your silky yoga pants, remember that yoga is SO much more than just a physical exercise.
If you have any questions please do ask me at a class or comment below 🙂 (this is just a snippet of info into hatha yoga and the gunas.)
Come and increase your sattva guna at yoga classes in Warwickshire:
Weekly yoga classes in Warwick:
Wednesday hatha flow- 1:30-2:30pm
Friday Lunchtime yoga 12:30-13:30pm
The Studio, 21 Old square Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4RU