Chapter 3: Hatha Yoga

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Level 1 – 200 Hour ! " YOGA TEACHER TRAINING MANUAL! ! ! Chapter 3: Hatha Yoga ! ! ! ! Level 1 – 200 Hour ! " YOGA TEACHER TRAINING MANUAL ! Chapter 3: Hatha Yoga ! Yantra! Yantra yoga, known in Sanskrit as Tsa Lung Trul Khor, is the ancient Tibetan practice of yogic exercises to clear and open the energetic channels (chakras). It also focuses on realeasing the mind of dualistic misperceptions and brings the body and mind to a non- dual awareness and inner groundedness. It includes practices of pranayama, meditation, dhyana and dynamic movements of 108 movements, mantras, and visualizations all timed to heart rhythms. The word Yantra directly translates as machine or instrument. Yantra yoga works to help create the body-mind connection of a well defined instrument. It helps cultivate the use of our innate awareness and intuition. Yantra yoga is not only the movements or asana of the body, but also the „spiritual energy" created from the vinyasa or flow of the movements connected to the energetic body of our awareness and innate rhythm.! Hatha Yoga Pradipika! “The following six bring speedy success: Courage, daring, perseverance, discriminative knowledge, faith, aloofness from company.”# – Svatmarama, in the Hatha Yoga Pradikpika! # Written in the fifteenth century, this Hatha Yoga Pradipika, authored by Svami Svatmarama, is considered to be the oldest surviving text on Hatha Yoga. The text is based upon reflections stemming from many of Svatamarama"s own yogic experiences.! The Pradipika describes the following concepts: asanas, purifying practices, mudras (finger and hand positions), bandhas (locks), and pranayama. It also describes the underlying purpose of Hatha Yoga, which Svatmarama identifies as being both the subtle energy called „Kundalini", as well as deep, enlightening meditation.! In the text, the practice of Hatha Yoga is presented as a “stairway to Raja Yoga.” In explaining this “stairway," Svatmarama gives elaborations on many core yogic techniques, but refrains from systematizing the “stairway." The Prakipika or “that which illuminates,” is comprised four chapters which contain 389 couplets altogether. Some manuscripts have additional chapters consisting of 24 stanzas, although these appears to have been added later.! The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is developed as follows. In Chapter One, Svatmarama provides a description of 16 important asana postures. Most of these asanas are variations of cross-legged sitting postures. In Chapter Two, he gives several descriptions of pranayama, and also discusses shatkarmas, or “six acts.” The shatkarmas are purification practices that are to be engaged in prior to breath control exercises. Svatmarama emphasizes the shatkarmas because they clear and balance what are called doshas, or “bodily humours.” Later in this highly technical chapter, Svatmarama describes eight different types of breath controls, called kumbhaka, or “retentions.” The kumbhaka are, in theory, used to arouse what he calls the kundalini shakti, or “serpent power.” More specifically, the eight kumbhaka are as follows:! ! (1) Suryabhedhe – or right to left # (2) Ujjayi – or victorious breath # (3) Seetkari – or through the teeth # (4) Shitari – or rolled tongue# (5) Bhastrika – or bellows# (6) Bhramari – or humming# (7) Moorcha – or retention to create fainting # (8) Plavini – or swallowing air into stomach! As you work through the upcoming exercises in this manual, the influence of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika on modern day yoga practice will become very clear.! Moving along, in Chapter 3 of the text, Svatmarama analyzes the 10 seals or mudras, as well as the three locks, or bandhas. Specifically, he discusses how they can be used in order to facilitate the process of the kundalin shakti. And finally, Chapter 4 of the text is concerned with absorption or samadhi, and the union of the kundalini.! ! Yoga’s Core Concepts! “When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world” – B.K.S. Inyengar! The core concepts of yoga are, in fact, fundamental truths about human existence. They are regarded by yogis as universal laws. They help to both explain and guide the psychology through which human beings relate to their predicament. Therefore, an intimate understanding of the core concepts is vital for yoga teachers, because they help us to transform our relationship with the world. Such a transformation is the liberating step in our path toward enlightenment. The following core concepts are common to all of the “Liberation Teachings” of yogic styles.! Impermanence! Everything in the universe is in constant flux. Everything that is born has to die. This concept is most clearly exemplified to us when we consider the aging process of human life, and in any experience of loss. It is also exemplified – though less easily observed – by the process of birth and rebirth. Impermanence has been referred to as the truth of life. It is said that only through embracing this truth can we achieve real inner peace and tranquillity.! Dissatisfaction! This second core concept follows from the first. Given that everything is constantly changing, becoming and then dying, this means that nothing manifest (in other words, perceived as being permanent) can give us lasting happiness. This concept has been articulated in Buddhist doctrine as non- attachment. Of course, one feels a strong sense of attachment to one"s own life and loved ones. However, in accordance with yogic doctrine it is necessary to bear in mind that real peace and enlightenment cannot depend on attachment to human relationships or material possessions.! Karma! This is, in a sense, the law of cause and effect. Karma actually refers to the concept of “action” – which is precisely what inspires the entire process of cause and effect. All of our actions, big and small, actively affect our past, present and future experiences. These results of our actions, which are known as karma-phala, may be perceived immediately, or they may be delayed.! Ignorance and Wrong Perception! This core concept refers to ongoing misconceptions about the fundamental realties resulting in a deluded state of mind. In yogic theories, ignorance is viewed as the fundamental cause of all pain and human suffering. The core concept of „ignorance" teaches us that only through liberation is it possible to escape ignorance, and achieve a perpetual state of ease.! Samsara and Nirvana! These terms refer to the wheel of repetitive existence that is so frequently referred to in Buddhist doctrine, and also to the way out of it. Samsara is sometimes translated as the “wheel of suffering.” In this system, one is born and continues to be reborn, and the only way to escape from the cycle is through disciplined spiritual practice, and the achievement of nirvana. Nirvana is the state of being free from both suffering and the cycle of birth and rebirth. It refers to a state of peace, and freedom from obsessions, cravings, anger and other distracting conditions.! Interconnectedness! This term refers to the Buddhist understanding that all things exist only in relationship to one another, and that all objects and beings are part of a single, underlying substance that constitutes reality. Many have interpreted interconnectedness as signifying that god exists within everything and everyone.! ! ! # Blog Journal Entry Number 6! # !!# • Pick one of the core concepts listed above and do some ! additional research about its origins and meanings. ! ! • Write a one-paragraph blog about your findings. ! ! ! Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:! 1. (1) The Hatha Yoga Pradipika was written by Richi Kapila_____________! 2. (2) Karma is the principle that ignorance is the cause of all suffering_______.

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