The Hatha Yoga Pradipika in Practice and Its Benefits

 

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika in Practice and Its Benefits

Hatha yoga is widely practiced across the globe to balance the energies of the sun and the moon, the feminine and masculine, the yin and yang. In a certain sense, Hatha yoga plays true to the meaning of yoga, which is ‘to unite’ or ‘union’. Hatha yoga is the union of the two energies that exist within every living being.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika says purification of the body leads to the purification of the mind, encouraging spiritual development. It focuses on starting with yoga posture practice. It is believed when one gains mastery over postures, they can gain mastery over the mind. How this happens brings us to the practices of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha yoga focuses on the breath as an integral tool to bring about a mind-body balance. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, which is based on the 8-limbed approach, Hatha yoga focuses on six aspects, namely Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Mantra (chanting), Mudra (gestures), Kriyas (cleansing techniques) and Bandhas (locks).

Hatha Yoga's belief was that people will find it easier to master the mind through the body, rather than trying to purify one’s personality and habits through observances like the yamas and niyamas. The cleansing techniques or Shat Karmas are an important step in purifying one’s mind and body, leading to better health.

By doing these practices, the free flow of prana is encouraged in the body. Prana is the life force or energy that flows from the Muladhara Chakra (the root center) to the Sahasara Chakra (the crown center).  This energy flows via energy channels called nadis. The prominent nadis are the Ida (the feminine, moon channel) and Pingala (the masculine, sun channel).

Hatha yoga practices also work on balancing the Ida and Pingala nadis. Swami Swatmarama says that mastering yoga postures strengthens the mind, encouraging self-discipline. Swami Swatmarama goes on to say that mastering yoga postures strengthens the mind, encouraging self-discipline. He describes it with a wonderful example. He says, “Sit in Padmasana, Lotus Posture, for fifteen minutes. That is self-discipline. Why do you fight with the mind first? You have no power to wrestle with the mind, yet you wrestle with it, thereby creating a pattern of animosity towards yourself.”

The practice of Hatha yoga has immense physical and mental health benefits. On a mental and emotional level, Hatha yoga makes the mind stronger, balances emotions and improves mood. It improves focus and concentration, thereby improving productivity. Stress, anxiety and depression reduce. Prana flows freely keeping the chakras stimulated and improving creativity. One’s awareness and mindfulness improves, leading to better decision making and clarity of thought.

Physically and physiologically, Hatha yoga strengthens the body immensely. Flexibility and mobility on joints, muscles and tissues gets better. Blood circulation and oxygen supply improves, leading to fewer blockages and less fatigue. Toxins and impurities get eliminated. The nervous system is more balanced and relaxed, leading to less stress. Even the respiratory system functions better. Weight loss is more sustained and healthy.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika acts as a beautiful guide to how one can like a balanced yogic lifestyle. Hatha Yoga outlines for us an optimal, healthy and balanced daily routine, the need for physical exercise as well as practices for the mind (meditation). It throws light on the importance of getting enough rest and relaxation, and the need for a mindful approach to one’s diet. While some of these factors are challenging for many to adapt in today’s modern world, there are suitable variations and modifications one can choose to follow.