Last century has seen Indian arts such as Yoga (योग) gaining wide spread popularity around the world. Because of which, more and more people (लोग – Log) have became aware of it and now it’s part of their daily life (जीवन – Jeevan).

Yoga means “to add/attach or unite”, adding or attaching to an essence to your life or being in union with it i.e. Bhakti Yoga could means adding or attaching yourself to devotion (भक्ति – Bhakti). Practice of Yoga date back to pre-vedic times (before 2500 BCE). There are several types of Yoga which have developed and practiced over several millennia. The goal of Yoga is to develop a control (नियंत्रण – Niyantran) over your spirit (आत्मा – Aatma) and body (शरीर – Sharir). Read more on different types of Yoga by clicking here.

Today, let me show you Hatha Yoga which is very popular (लोकप्रिय – Lokpriya) in the western world. In fact, in western countries, Hatha Yoga is thought as Yoga.

Hatha Yoga (हठ योग) has its foundation in the 15th century India when it was founded by Yogi Swatmarama. The word “Hatha” comes from “ha” and “tha” which means sun (masculine, active) and moon (feminine, receptive) respectively, and refers to the combination or union of positive and negative life forces.

It is a strong practice (साधना – Saadhana) done for purification which makes body ready for practice of meditation (ध्यान – Dhyaan). It involves the performance of physical postures (आसान – Asanas), breathing exercises (प्रायाणाम – Pranayams), meditation, mudras and purification procedures known as Shatkriyas or Shatkarma.