By perusing the spiritual section of this web site you can easily understand that yoga is much more than just standing on your head. There is a tremendous, vast body of teachings that fall under the umbrella of yoga, and the asanas - or yoga postures - are just a little part of it.

While it is common knowledge that yoga postures belong to the hatha yoga system of spiritual growth, most western yogis, including many yoga teachers, think the postures constitute all of hatha yoga. Nothing could be further from the truth, and this article aims at dispelling this myth.

WHAT IS HATHA YOGA?

Hatha yoga is one of the branches of kundalini yoga. It belongs to the tantric tradition. Its ultimate goal is to awaken the divine feminine power called kundalini shakti, to raise that power through the spine and different chakras until it reaches the topmost chakra, the crown center, thereby granting spiritual illumination to the yogi.

There are two phases to that process: 1) purifying the psychic system, and 2) awakening the kundalini.

Most of the efforts of the practitioner should be centered on purification. When this is achieved the awakening will follow fairly easily. In fact it is possible to awaken the kundalini prematurely, before proper purification has been achieved, and this can be dangerous to the practitioner's physical and mental health.

THE TECHNIQUES OF HATHA YOGA

Now we will succinctly present the different methods of hatha yoga. They should all be practiced for a complete spiritual and psychic development.

Yamas: They are the ethical practices such as truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing and more. These, in combination with the niyamas, constitute the foundation of the spiritual edifice. One cannot be a yogi or yogini and ignore the practice of these virtues. Becoming established in the yamas is extremely difficult as they need to be observed in spirit as well as by the letter and in thoughts, words, and deeds. Furthermore, they need to be practiced in relation to each other. For example, sometimes being truthful could also be hurtful.

Niyamas: Here come the practices such as cleanliness, contentment, austerities, self-study, etc. Their practice is absolutely essential.

Kriyas: The cleansing practices. Many of the subtle benefits of the following practices will truly take place only when physical purification has occurred to an advanced degree. There are six traditional kriyas to be practiced regularly by the hatha yogi. These are simple, yet somewhat odd techniques aimed at cleansing the tongue, teeth, nose, lungs, stomach, intestines, etc. Most popular these days is jala neti, the cleansing of the nose with lukewarm, salty water.

Asanas: Postures. This is the most popular aspect of the yoga body of teachings, especially in the Western world. The asanas are deceptively powerful and far ranging in their healing benefits. In the light of the kundalini awakening process described above, the asanas help open the nadis (subtle energy channels) to allow the prana (subtle life force) to flow freely.

Pranayamas: Breathing techniques. Pranayama aims at capturing the prana from its main vehicle, the air. Then the prana is controlled and directed to certain areas of the psychic system where it is stored for future use. There are pranayamas for purification of the energy channels and some advanced ones aimed at the direct awakening of the kundalini power.

Bandhas: Locks. The bandhas complement the practice of pranayama by locking the prana in certain areas of the psychic system.

Mudras: Seals. The mudras seal the prana.

Dhyana: Meditation. The specific hatha yoga method of meditation is chakra meditation. This includes visualizations of different elements of each major chakra such as colors, mantras, subtle elements, deities, animals, etc.

Truly some of these techniques are reserved for the advanced and dedicated aspirant. However, you should keep in mind that hatha yoga is much more than an exercise regimen that builds strong and flexible muscles, a healthy body and a relaxed mind.

As usual I will conclude this article by suggesting an easy to follow technique that I encourage you to try. This time it will be the practice of the yama truthfulness.

In the morning sit still on a comfortable pillow for a few minutes, take a couple deep breaths, relax your whole body and think about truth. Think about all levels of truth. Examine the advantages of being truthful in your daily life while acknowledging the sacrifices to be made at the altar of truth. Sometimes being truthful will run against one's petty self-interests but it will create a noble character and inner mental strength. Then make the firm resolution to be truthful throughout the day. You will be amazed at how difficult this is. Sometimes saying nothing will be a breach of truthfulness.

You can use the same method to explore non-violence.

Have a joyful and enlightening practice. Om Shantih (peace).