Hatha

     Hatha Yoga is the path most well know in America. It became very popular as an exercise and stress management system. Its spiritual aspects however have not been as well known. It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), and meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization.

     First the Asanas are practiced until they can be done comfortably. Then breath control and visualization is added. Once this is done the Asanas move from being just a physical exercise into a meditation or spiritual exercise. The slow motion going into the posture becomes an active meditation in which the mind's attention is focused on what the body is doing. Once the posture is attained the pause becomes a passive meditation in which the mind focuses on the primary chakra (energy center) involved in the Asana. During Pranayama (regulated breathing), attention is placed on moving the Kundalini energy up the spine from the base chakra. As the yogi becomes more proficient in Hatha Yoga the mind becomes still like a clear lake, allowing him/her to see and then merge with their "true SELF."