The true essence of Hatha Yoga lies in understanding its two primary elements: ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’. In yogic science, the phrase Hatha is shaped by becoming a member of these two phrases. ‘Ha’ stands for the Solar, and ‘Tha’ stands for the Moon.
These two symbolize reverse energies. Photo voltaic vitality is seen as masculine, whereas lunar vitality is seen as female. Hatha Yoga exhibits the steadiness of those forces within the universe, the place robust and weak, constructive and detrimental energies exist collectively.
That means
To grasp the that means of Hatha Yoga by way of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’, you first must look inside your self.
Human life is made up of two primary forces: the lively and the passive. The lively drive drives us to tackle challenges and overcome them with effort and power. Then again, the passive drive teaches us to remain calm and composed. It helps us stay humble and grounded throughout tough instances. A wholesome and profitable life depends upon discovering steadiness between these robust and delicate energies.
In the identical approach, ‘Ha’ represents the lively vitality. It’s linked to the highly effective and dynamic vitality of the Solar. The Solar is the primary supply of vitality within the universe. With out it, life wouldn’t be potential. However think about if the Solar by no means set life would grow to be insufferable.
To carry steadiness, we’d like a cooling vitality. That is the place ‘Tha’, the Moon, is available in. The Moon softens the warmth of the Solar and cools the Earth with its mild gentle.
So, ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ symbolize the pure opposites in life. They remind us that each lively and passive energies are vital. Hatha Yoga is about bringing these two forces into steadiness. Once we unite them inside ourselves, we acquire management over the ups and downs of the thoughts (referred to as Chitta Vritti in yogic phrases) and create a steady and peaceable life.
Different types of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’
‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ doesn’t precisely imply Solar and Moon fairly it’s the illustration of reverse energies. In different custom, these energies referred to as;
- Yang and Yin – In Taoism (Chinese language philosophy)
- Purusha and Prakruti – In Samkhya philosophy
- Shiva and Shakti – In Tantra
- Vitality and matter – In physics
- Pingala and Ida Nadi – In hatha yoga
Lord Shiva – True consultant of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’
Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi, is the true image of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’. He holds the 2 reverse forces inside himself in an ideal state of steadiness. We are able to perceive this extra clearly by wanting on the parts he carries on his physique.
- On the prime of Shiva’s head, he carries the River Ganga, which flows calmly representing the serenity of nature. However on the similar time, he has his fierce third eye on his brow which represents the fiery vitality inside him.
- So right here Shiva carries each ‘Ha and ‘Tha’ within the type of calmness & impetuosity, which signifies the union of two reverse energies.
- Equally, he has poison in his throat for why its color appears to be blue and on the similar time, he holds the moon on his head. Moon once more represents the female vitality and, in Sanskrit, moon has the symmetry with the nectar.
- Therefore each poison and nectar (representing Ha and Tha) reside aspect by aspect to maintain concord within the universe.
- As everyone knows Lord Shiva is devoid of all worldly pleasures; however on the similar time, he additionally represents a household particular person together with his spouse Parvati and two sons Ganesh and Kartikeya. So the 2 reverse energies at all times reside together with one another to create concord between a renouncer (yogi) and a householder.
- Additionally, he holds a snake which is once more the prey of peacock, the chariot of his son Kartikeya.
However every part goes with one another with the best concord; that is the true substance of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ that operates inside a human life and in the entire universe.
Two parts of hatha yoga
Yoga is not only about performing bodily postures. It’s a deeper apply that teaches us to just accept and steadiness the twin nature of our ideas and actions. By means of Hatha Yoga, an individual learns to handle the opposing forces that work throughout the physique and thoughts.
Each human being carries two forms of vitality. If these forces will not be introduced into concord, they’ll disturb internal peace and result in imbalance in life. The apply of Hatha Yoga helps create steadiness between the 2 core energies represented by ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’.
At instances, an individual might have excessive bodily vitality (prana shakti) however low psychological vitality (manas shakti). One other particular person could also be robust mentally however might lack bodily power. Hatha Yoga helps to carry each lively and passive energies into steadiness. That is the true objective of the 2 parts ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ within the path of Hatha Yoga.
Balancing opposites by way of hatha Yoga
Hatha yogis from the very starting perceive the character of the thoughts and know the way tough it’s to manage thought patterns of the thoughts. Hatha yoga finally results in Raja yoga, although, it’s comparatively simple for a yogi as a result of it begins with one thing gross with which we are able to establish ourselves i.e. our physique.
Phrase ‘Hatha’ is derived from the basis time period ‘Hat‘ which implies ‘drive’. It’s due to this fact a “forceful” type of yoga, whose dynamic strategies have highly effective results.
As a result of bodily stillness is within the core of human beings, firstly Hatha Yoga practices purpose to carry a movement within the physique i.e. eradicating the tamas high quality. By bringing movement into the physique, just one can know the actual nature of the physique. Therefore all of the practices of hatha yoga are to achieve a state of steadiness between stillness and movement.
Hatha Yoga practices
Hatha yoga includes primarily 4 practices;
Think about somebody affected by physique ache, resembling a backache or backbone challenge. That particular person can not deal with something past the ache. All ambitions appear to fade when one is trapped in bodily discomfort. Equally, throughout despair, nothing feels significant. An individual might lack each the motivation and bodily vitality to hold out on a regular basis duties. That is the place Hatha Yoga helps by balancing the physique and the thoughts.
Asanas assist relieve bodily issues. For instance, working towards Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) strengthens the again muscle mass, will increase flexibility, and improves blood circulation. This posture not solely relieves stress and constipation but additionally helps the well being of the liver, pancreas, small gut, and huge gut. On this approach, asanas help each bodily and psychological well-being.
Meditation uplifts the vitality inside and heals an individual mentally and spiritually. It calms the thoughts, reduces anxiousness, and lowers stress.
Pranayama, or managed respiration strategies like Nadi Shodhana, brings the thoughts into the current second. It helps launch psychological rigidity and bodily fatigue. With common apply, it results in a relaxed and centered way of thinking.
By practising all these parts of Hatha Yoga asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, and meditation an individual can obtain concord between physique, thoughts, and vitality.
Conclusion
The universe is inbuilt such a approach that each constructive and detrimental forces should exist collectively. Fierce and delicate energies are equally vital for the graceful functioning of life. One can not exist with out the opposite. That’s the reason ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ are seen as complementary forces. Simply because the Solar and the Moon are each wanted to keep up steadiness in nature, these energies should additionally keep in steadiness inside us.
Hatha Yoga is an important a part of yoga that teaches the worth of steadiness and concord in life. When one sort of vitality turns into too dominant, it could actually result in imbalance and even hurt. However by way of common apply, Hatha Yoga helps unite ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’ throughout the physique and thoughts. This union transforms vitality into a gentle and wholesome stream, supporting the correct functioning of the entire being.