www.HATHA-YOGA.ro - The Origins of Hatha Yoga system

The Origins of HATHA YOGA System

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The etymology of the term "Hatha Yoga" synthesizes the essence of this discipline in only two words. "Ha" in Sanskrit symbolizes the solar masculine principle Yang, that is entirely complementary to the other fundamental principle, lunar and feminine - Yin, expressed in Sanskrit by the syllable "Tha". The word "Yoga" means "uniting", "joining together"; thus, the expression "Hatha Yoga" symbolizes "the union of the physic, psychic and mental spheres by the harmonious balancing within the being of the complementary principles Yin and Yang".

Historic sources place the origins of the Hatha Yoga system 6 - 7 thousands years ago, in the stone age, at the beginning of the human civilization. A stone statue dating from that period is considered by the historians as representing an yogi. Other archeological proofs of the Hatha Yoga system existence are the stone seals found on the archaeological sites in the Indus valley. The seals represent human figures practicing yoga exercises. These artifacts have been dated sometime in 3000 b.Ch., being connected to the great Indus–Saraswati antic worlds.

Concerning the writings, the most early notes can be found in the "Rig Veda" treaty written sometime between 1500 - 1200 b. Ch, a treaty that, before being written, was transmitted by word of mouth from generation to generation for approximately 1000 years. Writings about the Yoga system continue to appear. In the 2-nd century a. Ch. the wise Patanjali synthesizing the work "Yoga Sutras" also known as the Yoga system in eight steps. Later on, in the 14-th century, the work "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" appears, being considered the oldest and the most fundamental treaty concerning

the Hatha Yoga system. The work is written by Yogi Swami

Svatmarama on account of the old Sanskrit texts and on account of his personal experience. In the 17-th century other texts appear suh as "Gheranda Samhita", "Shiva Samhita", works that explain notions connected to the physical poses - asanas, to the breathing techniques - pranayama, to the body purification methods - kriyas.

Hataha Yoga appeared in the West during the 19-th century, being promoted and popularized afterwards due to the efforts of some personalities in the field such as Swami Vivekananda, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda, Sri Krishnamacharya.

Recent statistics show that in 2005 in the United States of America, 16.5 million people regularly practice Yoga exercises. Nowadays, in another corner of the world - India, seeing people practicing, at dawn, in open air, Yoga exercises or talking about naturist diets is a common thing.

This great discipline - Hatha Yoga won its popularity not for being a fashion or a temporary caprice, but for the fact that its obvious effects are scientifically demonstrated and, what is even more important, for being a system that existing for centuries.

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