Conquering the Elements: From Hatha Yoga to Raja Yoga
- Dr.Madhavi Srivastava
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
Today, we explore the profound tradition of Hatha Yoga—a cornerstone of yogic practice.
What is Hatha Yoga, and how does it serve as a transformative pathway to the exalted state of Raja Yoga? What are the principles and practices that define Hatha Yoga, and how has this ancient discipline been transmitted through the ages? Most importantly, how does it empower practitioners to achieve mastery over both body and mind, leading to a harmonious and elevated state of being?
Join us as we unravel these questions and uncover the essence of Hatha Yoga.
First, let us explore the origins of Hatha Yoga. The pioneer of Hatha Yoga is none other than Lord Shiva. Sage Swatmarama, the author of the seminal work Hatha Pradipika, a key text on Hatha Yoga, elaborates on this tradition. He begins his text with the following invocation:
"Śrī Ādināthāya namo'stu tasmai yenopadiṣṭā haṭhayogavidyā."
This translates to: "Salutations to Lord Shiva, who imparted the knowledge of Hatha Yoga."
Conquering the Elements: From Hatha Yoga to Raja Yoga
Conquering the Elements: From Hatha Yoga to Raja Yoga. Explore how Hatha Yoga guides practitioners to Raja Yoga by mastering the body, mind, and the elements, leading to self-realisation and liberation.
Hatha Yoga is a discipline where practitioners rigorously prepare themselves for spiritual practice. They regulate their body and conquer their mind, ultimately attaining the supreme state of being. Hatha Yoga and Tantric practices share significant harmony, as both are believed to have originated from Lord Shiva.
In Hatha Yoga, the practitioner gains complete control over themselves and progresses systematically through all stages of yoga.
The definition of yoga is given as:
"Hakāraḥ kīrtitaḥ sūryaṣṭhakāraś candra ucyate,
sūryācandramasaḥ yogāt haṭhayogo nigadyate."
This means that the syllable "Ha" is associated with the Sun, and the syllable "Tha" is associated with the Moon. The union of the Sun (Ha) and the Moon (Tha) is referred to as Hatha Yoga.
The term "Hatha" often implies forceful or determined effort. However, in Hatha Yoga, every term is understood in a profound and expansive sense. It is believed that the entire cosmic science resides within the human body. Through the practice of Hatha Yoga, the practitioner realises the entirety of creation within themselves and ultimately attains the divine.
The Meaning of "Ha" and "Tha" in Hatha Yoga
"Ha" symbolises the Sun, Pingala (the solar channel), heat, Shiva, Yamuna, and the right nostril.
"Tha" symbolises the Moon, Ida (the lunar channel), coolness, Shakti, Ganga, and the left nostril.
The union of these two energies—the Sun and the Moon—is what constitutes Hatha Yoga.
The terms "Ha" and "Tha" are also known as Ida and Pingala, respectively. Our body contains 72,000 nadis (subtle energy channels), of which three are considered primary: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Ida Nadi is located on the left side of the body, extending from the left nostril to the Muladhara Chakra, which is situated at the base of the spine, at the central point of the body.
Pingala Nadi runs from the right nostril to the Muladhara Chakra.
Between these two nadis lies the Sushumna Nadi, regarded as the pathway to attaining the supreme state for practitioners.
The Six Main Chakras in the Body
There are six primary chakras in the human body:
Muladhara Chakra: Located at the base of the spine, this is also called the Root Chakra or the Base Lotus.
Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra): Situated below the navel, it governs emotions, creativity, and sexuality.
Manipura Chakra: (Solar Plexus Chakra) Located at the navel, it is linked to personal power, confidence, and digestion.
Anahata Chakra: (Heart Chakra) Situated in the centre of the chest, it is associated with love, compassion, and emotional openness.
Vishuddha Chakra: (Throat Chakra) Located in the throat, it's connected to communication, self-expression, and truth.
Ajna Chakra: (Third Eye Chakra) Situated between the eyebrows, it's associated with intuition, perception, and higher mental activities.
Above these, there is an additional chakra known as the Sahasrara Chakra, located at the crown of the head. While yoga primarily discusses six chakras, some traditions mention seven, eight, or even nine chakras. However, Hatha Yoga mainly focuses on these six chakras.
The Three Granthis (Knots)
In yogic practice, there are three granthis (energy knots):
Brahma Granthi: Located at the Root Chakra.
Vishnu Granthi: Situated at the Anahata Chakra.
Rudra Granthi: Found at the Ajna Chakra.
When a practitioner pierces these three granthis through their practice, they are said to attain the supreme state of Shiva.
In Hatha Yoga practice, the practitioner uses the Ha sound (associated with the Pingala Nadi) and the Tha sound (related to the Ida Nadi) to restrain the life force (prana) and direct it into the Sushumna Nadi. This process awakens the dormant Kundalini Shakti, a mysterious and powerful energy present in the human body.
When the Kundalini Shakti is awakened, the practitioner pierces through the six chakras (Shatchakras). Mastery of these chakras enables the practitioner to achieve completeness in yoga, ultimately becoming one with Shiva.
The Goal of Hatha Yoga: Attaining Raja Yoga
The ultimate aim of Hatha Yoga is the attainment of Raja Yoga. Swatmarama, in the Hatha Pradipika, states:
"Pīṭhāni kuṃbhakāḥ citrā divyāni karaṇāni caSarvāṇyapi haṭhābhyāse rājayogaphalāvadhi" (1/67)
This means that various postures (asanas), breath control techniques (kumbhakas), and divine practices (mudras) are all tools for attaining Raja Yoga.
What is Raja Yoga?
Raja Yoga represents a state of complete self-reliance, where the practitioner transcends the three gunas—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). In this elevated state, known as Gunaatita (beyond the gunas), the individual becomes firmly rooted in their true self. This profound realisation of one’s essence is the hallmark of Raja Yoga.
Swatmarama further emphasizes:"Haṭham vinā rājayoga rājayoga vinā haṭhaḥNa siddhyati tato yugmam āniṣpattaḥ samabhyaset" (2/76)
This translates to: Without Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga cannot be achieved, and without Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga remains incomplete. Thus, both must be practised together until the attainment of ultimate liberation (Samadhi).
The Components of Hatha Yoga
According to various texts on Hatha Yoga, six primary components of Hatha Yoga are described. Some scriptures also mention Chaturanga Yoga, which comprises four elements:
Asana (postures)
Pranayama (breath control)
Mudra (gestures)
Nada Anusandhana (concentration on inner sound)
This is referred to as Chaturanga Yoga in the context of Hatha Yoga.
The Prerequisite: Yama and Niyama
A Hatha Yoga practitioner must adhere to the principles of Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances). In Hatha Yoga, ten Yamas and ten Niyamas are prescribed. Only after practising these disciplines can a practitioner proceed to perfect the asanas.
The Ten Yamas
The term "Yama" means restraint or control. The ten Yamas are:
Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Kshama (forgiveness), Dhriti (patience), Daya (compassion), Arjava (honesty), Mitahara (moderation in diet), Shaucha (cleanliness).
The Ten Niyamas
The term "Niyama" refers to observances or positive duties. The ten Niyamas are:
Tapas: Endurance of opposites such as heat and cold. Santosha: Contentment with whatever one has. Astikya: Belief in God and faith in spirituality. Dana: Engaging in charity and acts of generosity. Ishwar Pujana: Worship and devotion to God. Siddhanta Vakya Shravan: Listening to the teachings of Vedanta and the instructions of one's Guru. Hri: Modesty and humility. Mati: Intellect, making sound judgments and decisions. Japa: Repetition of mantras. Huta: Performing sacred offerings (Havan).
The First Limb of Chaturanga Yoga: Asana
The first limb of Hatha Yoga is asana. It is stated:
"Haṭhasya prathamāṅgatvādasanaṃ pūrvamucyateKuryāttadasanaṃ sthairyamārogyaṃ cāṅgalāghavam" (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 1.17)
This means that asana is the first step in Hatha Yoga. Practising asanas brings stability, health, and lightness to the body.
When beginning yoga practice, it is essential to follow the principle of mitahara (moderation in diet). The Gheranda Samhita emphasises:
"Mitāhāram vinā yastu yogārambham tu kārayetNānārogo bhavettasya kiñcidyogo na siddhyati"
This means that without following a moderate diet, the practice of yoga may lead to various health issues, and the practitioner will not achieve the desired success in yoga. Therefore, maintaining a moderate diet is crucial in yoga.
What is Mitahara?
Mitahara is defined as: "Susnigdhamadhurāhāraḥ caturthaṃ aṃśavivarjitaḥBhujyate śivasamprītyai mitāhāraḥ sa ucyate" (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 1.58). This means that a moderate diet consists of nourishing, sweet foods offered to the Divine. It involves eating three-fourths of one's total capacity, leaving one-fourth of the stomach empty. Eating less and in moderation is called mitahara.
The Second Limb: Pranayama
What is Pranayama? Pranayama is the practice of controlling and regulating the breath. Before engaging in Pranayama, a practitioner must first purify the nadis (energy channels) in the body. Hatha Yoga describes two methods for nadi purification:
Through Shatkarmas (Cleansing Techniques): Nadi purification can be achieved using specific physical cleansing practices, such as Dhauti and other Shatkarmas.
Through Pranayama: This method involves breath regulation to cleanse and harmonise the nadis.
These two approaches help practitioners bring their prana (life energy) under control.
The Role of Kumbhaka in Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga emphasises the mastery of prana through various types of Kumbhaka (breath retention). Some of the key Kumbhakas include:
Sahita Kumbhaka, Chandrabhedi Kumbhaka, Suryabhedi Kumbhaka, Sheetali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Plavini, Manomurcha, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Kevali.
Kumbhaka refers to the deliberate retention or suspension of breath, which is essential for gaining control over prana and achieving higher states of spiritual accomplishment.
Controlling the Mind
Hatha Yoga provides two methods to master the mind:
Through Pranayama, which calms and stabilises the mind.
By Renouncing Sensory Attachments, which frees the mind from distractions and desires.
The Importance of Breath in Life
As stated in Hatha Yoga Pradipika: "Yāvadvāyuḥ sthito dehe tāvajjīvanamucyateMaraṇaṃ tasyaniṣkrāntis tato vāyuṃ nirodhayet" (2.3). This translates to: "As long as the breath resides in the body, life continues. When the breath exits the body, death occurs. Therefore, one must restrain the breath."
The presence of breath signifies life; its absence signifies death. Thus, controlling the breath is crucial for maintaining life and attaining mastery over it.
Through Pranayama and Kumbhaka, a practitioner can achieve control over both breath and mind, ultimately attaining spiritual liberation.
The Third Limb: Mudras and Bandhas
What are Mudras and Bandhas? The term "Mudra" refers to specific gestures, postures, or bodily states that convey meaning, induce joy, or hold special physical significance. The word Bandha means "to bind" or "to lock." In Hatha Yoga, Mudras and Bandhas are practised to gain control over prana (life energy) and to accelerate spiritual progress.
Types of Mudras
Some of the key Mudras in yoga include:
Mahāmudrā, Mahābandha, Mahāvedha, Khecharī, Uḍḍiyāna, Mūlabandha, Jālandhara Bandha, Viparītakaraṇī Mudrā, Vajroli Mudrā, Śaktichālana Mudrā.
Through the regular practice of these Mudras, a practitioner can achieve the eight mystical powers (Ashta Siddhis): Anima (reducing size to the minutest form), Mahima (becoming infinitely large), Garima (increasing weight to immovability), Laghima (becoming weightless), Prapti (attaining objects or desires), Prakamya (realising the unachievable), Ishitva (control over creation), Vashitva (control over all beings).
Importance of Bandhas
Bandhas are energetic locks used to direct and control the flow of prana within the body. In Hatha Yoga, Bandhas are especially practised to awaken the Kundalini Shakti and channelise energy for spiritual transformation.
The Role of Mudras and Bandhas in Kundalini Awakening
Mudras and Bandhas, when practised in combination with Pranayama, play a crucial role in awakening the Kundalini energy. They help control the body’s energies and direct them through the central energy channel, Sushumna Nadi, which runs along the spine.
When the practitioner purifies the nadis through pranayama and opens the path of the Sushumna Nadi, the prana ascends upward through the Brahma Dwara (the gateway of Brahma), also known as the Western Path or Brahma Path. This is the spiritual route that leads to the ultimate realisation.
As the Kundalini energy rises, it pierces the six chakras, enabling the practitioner to achieve spiritual perfection and mastery in yoga. This process is the ultimate goal of Hatha Yoga, leading the practitioner to self-realisation and liberation.
The Fourth Limb: Nādanusandhāna
What is Nādanusandhāna? Nādanusandhāna refers to the pursuit or exploration of Nāda (sound). According to Lord Shiva, there are over 1.25 billion types of rhythms, of which Nādanusandhāna is one. Nāda is classified into two types:
Āhata Nāda
Anāhata Nāda
Āhata Nāda
Āhata Nāda refers to external sounds that are produced by the striking of objects, such as the sounds of musical instruments like the veena or tabla, or other sounds heard in the external environment. These are all vibrations created through the union of two physical entities.
Anāhata Nāda
Anāhata Nāda, on the other hand, refers to the internal sound that can be perceived within the body. The collision of two objects does not produce it, but arises spontaneously within the practitioner.
The Significance of Nāda in Yoga
When a practitioner focuses on listening to the internal Nāda, this practice leads them to the ultimate realisation of the Divine. Nāda meditation is considered a powerful method for accelerating spiritual progress and achieving the supreme goal of self-realisation.
The Four Stages of Nāda Meditation
Nāda meditation progresses through four stages:
Ārambhāvasthā (The Initial Stage): The practitioner begins to perceive the subtle inner sounds.
Ghatāvasthā (The Intermediate Stage): The sounds grow clearer, and the practitioner begins to merge their consciousness with the sound.
Parichayāvasthā (The Recognition Stage): The practitioner gains deeper awareness and becomes one with the subtle rhythms of the Nāda.
Nishpattāvasthā (The Final Stage): The practitioner attains ultimate union with the Divine, achieving completeness in yoga.
By mastering these four stages, the practitioner attains perfection in yoga, leading to liberation and spiritual fulfilment.
Sevenfold Yoga as Described by Maharshi Gheranda
Maharshi Gheranda, in the Gheranda Samhita, describes a comprehensive system of yoga known as Saptanga Yoga, which consists of seven limbs. These limbs provide a step-by-step approach to purifying the body and mind, ultimately leading to liberation.
Key Verses from the Gheranda Samhita
“Through Shatkarma comes purification; through Asana comes firmness. Stability is attained through Mudras, and calmness through Pratyahara.” (Verse 10)
“Pranayama brings lightness; Dhyana leads to direct perception of the soul. Through Samadhi, one achieves detachment and liberation, without any doubt.” (Verse 11)
The Seven Limbs of Saptanga Yoga
Shatkarma (Cleansing): The six purification techniques—Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Lauliki, Trataka, and Kapalabhati—are performed to cleanse the body internally, thereby preparing it for advanced yoga practices.
Asana (Firmness): Practising yogic postures develops physical and mental steadiness, creating a strong foundation for further practices.
Mudra (Stability): Mudras involve specific gestures and seals that stabilise the body and mind, facilitating the control of prana (life energy).
Pratyahara (Calmness): The withdrawal of the senses from external distractions fosters mental tranquillity and focus.
Pranayama (Lightness): Practising pranayama techniques to control the breath brings a sense of lightness and energy to the body, allowing for more profound meditation.
Dhyana (Direct Perception): Meditation leads to the realisation of the self, providing direct experience of the soul’s true nature.
Samadhi (Detachment): The final stage of yoga, Samadhi, is a state of liberation and detachment in which the practitioner transcends worldly attachments and merges with the ultimate truth.
The Purpose of Saptanga Yoga
The Gheranda Samhita emphasises that these seven steps are tools for the purification and perfection of the body, referred to as the "ghata" (vessel). By practising each limb sequentially, the yogi purifies the inner body, steadies the mind, and attains liberation, achieving the ultimate goal of yoga.
The Six Limbs of Yoga in Hatha Yoga
This system is more prominent in Tantric traditions, particularly within the Śaiva and Nath Sampradāya lineages.
Hatha Yoga describes six primary limbs, collectively referred to as Shadang Yoga (The Six Limbs of Yoga). These are:
“Asanam pranasamrodhah pratyaharascha dharana I
Dhyanam samadhiretani yogangani vadanti shat II”
This verse highlights the six essential limbs of yoga:
Asanas (Postures): Various physical postures help the practitioner achieve stability and good health. Asanas form the foundation for progressing in yoga practice.
Prana Samrodha (Pranayama): Pranayama, or breath control, enables the practitioner to regulate and master the flow of prana (life energy), thereby ensuring balance and vitality.
Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses from their objects, allowing the mind to turn inward and become free from external distractions.
Dharana (Concentration): Dharana involves focusing the mind on a single point or object, maintaining steady attention without wavering.
Dhyana (Meditation): Dhyana is the uninterrupted continuation of Dharana, where the focus becomes even deeper, leading to a meditative state.
Samadhi (Absorption): The ultimate stage of yoga, Samadhi, is a state of profound absorption where the individual self dissolves into universal consciousness, attaining unity with the divine.
The Purpose of the Six Limbs
Each limb serves as a progressive step in mastering the body and mind, leading the practitioner towards spiritual perfection.
Asana brings stability and physical health.
Pranayama ensures control over life force energy.
Pratyahara detaches the mind from distractions.
Dharana trains the mind for unwavering focus.
Dhyana brings clarity and connection to the inner self.
Samadhi completes the journey with transcendental realisation.
By practising these six limbs, a yogi moves towards self-realisation and the ultimate goal of liberation.
Through the practice of Hatha Yoga, a practitioner attains a sense of completeness in life. The Hatha Yoga practitioner achieves complete control over the body and mind. Additionally, through Hatha Yoga, the practitioner gains mastery over the Panch Mahabhutas (the five outstanding elements).
After meditating on and mastering the Panch Mahabhutas, the practitioner brings nature under their control. Such a practitioner attains the state of Raja Yoga and becomes endowed with various supernatural powers (siddhis).
In this way, through Hatha Yoga, the practitioner achieves the supreme state. Hatha Yoga is a highly significant practice that liberates the practitioner from the cycle of birth and death. The practitioner is freed from reincarnation and attains ultimate perfection. Through Hatha Yoga, we master the elements, align our body and mind, and open the gateway to the higher state of Raja Yoga. It’s a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and ultimate liberation.
FAQs
What is the connection between Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga? Hatha Yoga serves as a preparatory stage, helping practitioners master their body and mind, ultimately paving the way to achieve the supreme state of Raja Yoga.
What does "Conquering the Elements" mean in Hatha Yoga? It refers to gaining mastery over the Panch Mahabhutas (five elements)—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—through disciplined yogic practices.
How does Hatha Yoga help in self-realisation? Hatha Yoga focuses on physical postures, breath control, and meditation, enabling practitioners to purify their body and mind, which is essential for self-awareness and spiritual growth.
What is Raja Yoga, and how is it different from Hatha Yoga? Raja Yoga is a state of complete self-mastery and transcendence of the three gunas, while Hatha Yoga is the physical and mental discipline that prepares the practitioner to reach this state.
Can anyone practice Hatha Yoga to achieve Raja Yoga? Yes, with dedication, proper guidance, and disciplined practice, anyone can use Hatha Yoga as a tool to progress toward Raja Yoga and spiritual enlightenment.
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