Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is a detailed system of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and relaxation/meditation techniques (dhyana). Together these practices strengthen the body and calm the mind.

The primary benefits of Hatha Yoga are:

• Muscular strength, flexibility and tone
• Bone densification
• Cleansing and strengthening of vital organs
• Oxygenising the blood (which benefits the entire body)
• Mental relaxation
• Stress reduction

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Hatha

‘Ha’ means sun and ‘Tha’ means moon; the two polar energies of the universe. Otherwise known as Yin – feminine and Yang – masculine. Each one of us has both the fiery, active energy of the sun and the soothing, intuitive energy of the moon. If these energies are out of balance then we are either unable to relax and calm down (too much yang), or we lack the motivation to engage in life (too much yin). The practice of Hatha Yoga helps harmonise our polar energies by getting the body to move and be active (yang) and then pausing to watch the body relax (yin). The meditations during a hatha yoga class further evoke feminine energy.

Yoga

The Sanskrit word 'yoga' means to join/to unite. It is similar to the word religion derived from two Latin terms‘re’ meaning back/again and ‘ligare’ meaning to bind/join. Both words imply a separation, and through the practice of yoga we join back to our true nature; Spirit. In truth we are not separated from Spirit but merely in ignorance of our true State. Through yoga we come to realize we are already Whole. How does Hatha Yoga do this? It doesn’t directly. Ignorance is not something that can be overcome through physical exercise. To remove ignorance we need knowledge and the means of knowledge is called Vedanta. Vedanta prescribes the practice of Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga to remove ignorance-of-Self (refer to philosophy page).

Please refer to Schedule for Individual Practice, which detail some of the postures used in Hatha Yoga. Although this series is designed for students who wish to practice at home, it does not substitute the direction of a qualified teacher.

Teachers

Kym Oliver spent three years in India studying at the Vedanta Academy, whilst Andrew Oliver (refer to Philosophy page) spent seven years studying at the Academy.