Hatha
Yoga is the path most well know in western society. It became very
popular as an exercise and stress management system. Its spiritual
aspects however have not been as well known.
It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing),
meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a
complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization.
First the Asanas are practiced until they can be done comfortably.
Then breath control and visualization is added.
Once this is done the Asanas move from being just a physical exercise
into a meditation or spiritual exercise. The slow motion going into
the posture becomes an active meditation in which the mind's attention
is focused on what the body i s doing. Once the posture is attained
the pause becomes a passive meditation in which the mind focuses
on the primary chakra (energy center) involved in the Asana.
During Pranayama (regulated breathing), attention is placed on
moving the Kundalini energy up the spine from the base chakra. As
the yogi becomes more proficient in Hatha Yoga the mind becomes
still like a clear lake, allowing him/her to see and then merge
with their "true SELF."
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