Significance of Hathayoga
Hathayoga is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). It is recognized across various traditions, such as Tibetan Buddhism and Vaishnavism, for contributing to physical and mental well-being. While some texts criticize it for not leading to true spiritual enlightenment, others appreciate its systematic approach and physical exercises aimed at preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices. Hathayoga plays a crucial role in balancing the physical and mental forces, enhancing overall health and wellness.
In Dutch: Hathayoga; In German: Hathayoga; In Finnish: Hathayoga; In Swedish: Hathayoga; In Malay: Hathayoga; In French: Hathayoga; In Spanish: Yoga Hathay
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hathayoga'
Hathayoga in Buddhism can be interpreted as a structured practice that enhances one's sense of well-being and warmth, aligning with the holistic approach to physical and mental wellness in Buddhist teachings.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A systematic approach to practice that contributed to dus gsum mkhyen pa's sense of well-being and warmth.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Hathayoga'
Hathayoga in Hinduism emphasizes physical postures and breathing techniques to purify the body and mind, although it is often criticized for not leading to true spiritual enlightenment compared to more meditative forms of yoga.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A demanding form of yoga involving physical postures and breath control, which Uddalaka bypasses in favor of pranava.[2] (2) A branch of yoga that is criticized for its burdensome practices, often misused by pseudo yogis who associate suffering with spiritual attainment and supernatural powers.[3] (3) A system of physical practice intended to control the body and mind, often criticized for not leading to true spiritual growth.[4] (4) A type of Yoga focusing on physical postures and breath control, though considered less effective for true spiritual enlightenment by the text.[5]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A form of physical Yoga that is set apart from the spiritual emphasis of Raja Yoga, which the texts do not focus on.[6]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A yoga style comprising physical postures and breathing techniques.[7] (2) A type of yoga characterized by specific physical postures and practices.[8] (3) A branch of Yoga that emphasizes the physical aspects, including postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to achieve stability and health.[9] (4) A system of physical exercises and postures aimed at controlling the body to achieve spiritual advancement.[10]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A form of Yoga that emphasizes physical strength and postures; however, it is noted that mere mechanical practice does not lead to the highest knowledge.[11]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A form of Yoga emphasizing physical postures and breath control as part of spiritual practice.[12]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A system of physical exercises and postures derived from yoga, which historically diverged from the pure meditative practices associated with Vaishnavite worship.[13]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A physical system of exercises designed to prepare the body for spiritual experiences, originally practised in ancient India.[14]
The concept of Hathayoga in local and regional sources
Hathayoga is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures, breath control, and purification techniques, preparing practitioners for spiritual practices and enhancing physical and mental wellness, as outlined by various sources and historical texts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A branch of yoga focused on physical postures and breath control to enhance physical and mental wellness.[15] (2) A branch of Yoga that emphasizes physical exercises and postures.[16] (3) A branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures and control of the body to achieve a suitable state for meditation.[17] (4) A form of yoga that Gautama Buddha experimented with in his quest for understanding and truth.[18] (5) A practice emphasized within many esoteric schools aiming for the attainments of physical and spiritual perfection.[19]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Hatha-Yoga is a science which Swamiji wanted to learn from Pavhari Baba, to strengthen the body, which reveals a desire for physical and spiritual practices.[20] (2) This is a branch of Yoga that primarily deals with the physical body, aiming to make it strong through various exercises, though its practices are often difficult.[21] (3) This term refers to a specific type of Yoga, described as a set of breathing exercises that is seen as a form of physical exercise.[22]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Hathayoga is a system of Yoga with physical techniques and meditative absorption, and Svat-marama, the author of the Hathapradipika, formulated a system of Hathayoga, the structure and techniques of which were widely regarded as typical of Hathayoga after the sixteenth-century.[23] (2) This refers to the study of the practice of Hatha yoga, a specific branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures, breathing exercises, and purification techniques.[24]