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, calm the mind, sharpen the intellect, and uncover the Stillness-Spirit within.

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
• Spiritual awakening

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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, assertive energy of the sun and the soothing, intuitive energy of the moon. In most people these polar energies are imbalanced. Hatha Yoga helps harmonise these energies within us by equally activating both sides of the body; left being our feminine aspect and right our masculine side. While we engage the body, Hatha Yoga also encourages us to be aware of the movement in the mind. Awareness reconnects us with the polar energies within and progressively we experience balance.

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 their practice 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. The realisation of one’s Wholeness starts with the practice of being aware of each movement in the body and mind while performing asanas. Together with the other four yogas (refer to philosophy page) one’s focus gradually moves from the sensations of the body and the chatter of the mind into the silence that exists beyond the mind. Here one reunites with Wholeness.

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 the Academy. While the course included the five yogas: hatha, karma, gnana, bhakti and dhyana yoga. Gnana yoga (the course of knowledge) was the main focus at the Academy.