Integral Yoga-2

Of the four broad vaunts of Yoga, namely Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, the first one, I.e Hatha Yoga is often mistaken to be implied by its name Hatha, that means in ordinary parlance as obstinacy or may be by that discipline which tends to subdue the body-mind by the rigours of tough physical or mental controls.

That is just an opposite of what Hatha actually means and implies. 

Composed of two syllables, Ha and Tha which represent two energy currents.

Ida and Pingala are the two energy currents that power the two hemispheres of the brain, one that operates the senses and the other that powers the sensory organs. One is purely mental and the other physical. In scientific reckoning it refers to sympathetic and para sympathetic nervous systems. A balance between the two triggers the third one,  called  Sushumna  which refers to the central nervous system.

These are identifiable by the nasal flow, the left predominance means Ida is predominant and which implies that the right hemisphere of the brain dominates. The right flow likewise may be inferred as predominance of the physical energy that activates the sensory motors, controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain.

Hatha Yoga brings about balance between the two and it is this balance that opens up the central conduit called Sushumna and which energises the central nervous system, inferable by an equal flow in both the nostrils.

The impact and implications of the balance which practices of Hatha Yoga confers, may be discussed in detailed posts , but it must be understood, at the very outset, that it is this very balance that proclaims the beginning. Such a beginning is a pre-requisite in even other forms of Yoga, irrespective of the variations on the applied side.

Hatha Yoga comprises , practices involving purification intended at achieving a quality of mind , immersed in tranquility as part of the ultimate intent of attaining high evolutionary state, accompanying healthy body and mind.

(More to follow)