Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga, while acknowledging its relation to Raja Yoga ( Patanjala Samkhya), did not stick to the meaning of the word yoga as given by Patanjali (Yuj Samadhau).

- Shri Yogendraji

On the contrary, it also accepted the definition of union (Yujir Yoge) and such other meanings of yoga as advocated by the other authorities. In order to fully appreciate the Hatha Yoga interpretation of yoga, however, it is necessary here to make a brief reference to the origin and meaning of the word Hatha which, as I believe, came to be applied to the practical yoga at a later date. As to the origin to the word Hatha, there are two important speculations. The first is that the word Hatha means Bala or force and thus it is a system which tries to achieve emancipation solely by valour, determination or persistence through a scientific course of psycho physical training. It may be observed that in earlier times of Hindu culture, salvation or Mukti was supposed to be possible only for the persons of higher castes, especially to those who were enlightened or favoured by God or had any special merit which allowed them the study of the Vedas and the practice of such rituals as were considered to be helpful in the final achievement of liberation.