All styles of Yoga come under the big umbrella of Hatha Yoga. Whenever you work with your body energies or physical techniques, it comes under Hatha Yoga. Some people confuse the meaning of the word “Hatha” with stubbornness but it is not the real meaning. It is something else!
What is Hatha Yoga ?
Hatha stands for the two beej mantras combined together. “Ham” stands for the beej mantra of Pingala Nadi and “Tham” stands for the beej mantra of Ida Nadi.
- “Ham” = Pingala Nadi = Sun = Masculine aspect of personality
- “Tham” = Ida Nadi = Moon = Feminine aspect of personality
Yoga means union. Together, it represents the perfect union of the two opposing forces of nature. (opposites like strength and flexibility, effort and relaxation, logic and creativity).
When the 2 are in union and you are drowning deep into meditations, you are said to achieve the highest in Hatha Yoga. The deep state of meditation, which is called Samadhi, begins after you master Hatha Yoga. Then Raja Yoga begins!
Hatha Yoga Vs Other styles of Yoga
When it comes to physically achieving that union, everything comes under the big umbrella of Hatha Yoga. When the techniques are purely physical, then it comes under Hatha Yoga. Practices like sukshma vyayama, sthula vyayama, jal neti, dhauti, trataka, asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas etc, all come under the umbrella of Hatha Yoga.
Now these practices are taught in different ways by different gurus. They have become different styles today. For example : Ashtanga Yoga style was given by Shri Pattabhi Jois, Yoga with props was given by Shri BKS Iyengar, Bihar school of Yoga has its own style, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta centre has its own style etc.
Some people misunderstand it as different styles of yoga but it is the same Hatha Yoga but practiced in different styles.
Hatha Yoga Classes
There are many institutes nowadays who claim to teach Hatha Yoga. But for them Hatha Yoga means a slow, gentle, and foundational style that focuses on basic postures, breathing, and relaxation, making it ideal for beginners, which is not true at all.
Is Hatha Yoga Slow ?
No, Hatha Yoga varies in intensity and purpose—for example, sometimes it is dynamic and flow-based, sometimes it is physically demanding with a fixed sequence, sometimes there are a lot of drills which are practiced.
Hatha Yoga practices are capable of building a strong foundation, taking you to the next level of doing advanced asanas and spiritual activation as well. It totally depends on what kind of a teacher you are learning from. Not all the teachers can take you up to this level.
Is it for everyone ?
Yes, as already mentioned, it varies in intensity, the class can be modified as per the requirement it is suitable for beginners, intermediate practitioners and advanced level yogis as well. With modifications, we can teach old aged people also and kids also. But of course, those who are suffering from health issues, should consult a doctor or a yoga therapist first.
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Hatha Yoga Courses are conducted by so many institutes and Yoga Ashrams through online, offline and residential mode. Best is the residential mode in which you have to go to the ashram or institute, stay there and learn from the master. You get a touch of yogic lifestyle there. The duration and prices are different for each one. You can enquire and get the details.
But for some people, going to the ashram for such a long duration might not be possible. For them, online or offline courses are the best. Find a good institute and join that one. In the world of Yoga, your teacher matters the most. So choose after thorough research.
Top Recommendations :
- Bihar School of Yoga
- Sivananda Yog Vedanta Centre
- Hatha Yoga Institute
- Sri Sri school of Yoga
- The Yoga Institute
Can it be done online ?
Yes, of course. We have been teaching Hatha Yoga courses for a very long time, and we have taught thousands of students online and offline as well. Online students are also at part with the offline students in both theoretical understanding and advanced asanas practice. But we have heard students complaining about their prior learning experiences with other institutes. So, your teachers and institutes matter the most. Mode does not matter. We have had some students who learnt in a residential course before they joined us but they did not have such an amazing learning experience there which they had with us in online mode. So, yes it can be done online as well.
Even the top Yoga traditions of the world like sivananda yoga, SVYASA, Iyengar Yoga etc, started online classes in covid time and it is still running. When our gurus are teaching online, who are we to say anything in front of them?
Hatha Yoga Institute - Why are we the best?
We started teaching Hatha Yoga many years ago. Here are some of the points explaining why are we the best :
- Our speciality is the holistic nature of the course. We teach complete Hatha Yoga Practices in our courses – sukshma vyayama, sthula vyayama, shat kriyas, asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, meditation techniques. We teach very advanced asanas in the course as well, with a lot of pre practices and use of props. Our theory syllabus is also very extensive teaching about yoga principles, yoga texts, anatomy and ayurveda.
- We are providing the most useful 3 certificates in our courses which will help you to build a great career.
- All the teachers are YCB Certified Teachers.
- Our quality in online teaching is at par with offline teaching only. We pay a lot of personal attention to the student.
- The pricing and discounts that we are offering is very competitive.
And many more…..
