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Hatha Yoga Guide: Science,

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09 Apr 2015

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DEMYSTIFYING YOGA

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In this comprehensive guide to the

fundamentals of hatha yoga, yogi and
mystic Sadhguru introduces us to this
phenomenal science. In a series of
articles, he corrects many misunderstandings about
the process and explores how we can reap the
maximum benefits hatha yoga has to offer.

Sadhguru: When you experience everything as

oneness in your consciousness, then you are in yoga.
To attain that unity within you, there are many ways.
Y ou work with the body, then you move to the breath,
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then to the mind, then to the inner self. Like this,

many steps have been created, but they are only
different facets of yoga. It is important that all of them
are addressed in a very balanced way, all at once, as
one single unit. There is really no division as such;
yoga employs all aspects of who you are.
The body is a very large part of who you are right
now. The science of using the body to hasten your
evolutionary process is hatha yoga. The body itself has
its own attitudes, its own ego, its own nature. Let us
say you decided, Starting tomorrow, I will get up at
five in the morning and go for a walk. Y ou set the
alarm. The alarm rings. Y ou want to get up, but your
body says, Shut up and sleep. It has its own way,
doesnt it? Hatha yoga is a way of working with the
body, a way of disciplining, purifying and preparing
the body for higher levels of energy and possibilities.

The Science of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is not exercise. Understanding the
mechanics of the body, creating a certain atmosphere,
and then using body postures to drive your energy in
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specific directions is what hatha yoga or yogasanas are

about. Asana means a posture. That kind of
posture which allows you to reach your higher nature
is a yogasana. There are other dimensions to this, but
to put it in the simplest way, just by observing the way
someone is sitting, you can almost know what is
happening with him, if you have known him long
enough. If you have observed yourself, when you are
angry, you sit one way; if you are happy, you sit
another way; if you are depressed, you sit another
way. For every different level of consciousness or
mental and emotional situation that you go through,
your body naturally tends to assume certain postures.
The converse of this is the science of asanas. If you
consciously get your body into different postures, you
can elevate your consciousness.
The body can become a
means for your spiritual
growth or it can
become a major barrier.
Suppose some part of
your body your hand,
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Dedicating a
certain
amount of

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your body your hand,

leg or back, for instance
is hurting. When it is
hurting badly it is hard
to aspire for anything
higher because that
becomes the biggest
thing. Right now if you
have a backache, the
biggest thing in the

amount of
effort and
time to see
that the body
does not
become a
barrier is
important.

universe is your
backache. Other people
may not understand that, but for the person who is
going through it, that is the biggest thing. Even if God
appears you will ask for your backache to go! Y ou will
not ask for anything else because the physical body
has such a power over you. If it is not functioning
well, it can take away all other aspirations from your
life. Whatever you may fancy, all your longings just
disappear once the body starts hurting because to
look beyond that takes an enormous amount of
strength, which most people do not possess.
There are thousands of people who have come out of
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spinal problems by doing simple asanas. Doctors had

told them they would definitely have to go through a
surgery, but they never had to. Y our back can be
restored to such an excellent condition that you will
never need to go to a chiropractor. It is not only your
spine that becomes flexible; you also become flexible.
Once you are flexible, you are willing to listen, not just
to someones talk; you are willing to listen to life.
Learning to listen is the essence of a sensible life.
Dedicating a certain amount of effort and time to see
that the body does not become a barrier is important.
A painful body can become a major obstacle, and so
can a compulsive body. Simple compulsions, whether
they are about the body wanting to relieve itself or of
lust, can rule you so strongly that they will not allow
you to look beyond; the physical body becomes a
major entity. Body is only a part of you; it should not
become the whole of you. Asanas level the body down
to its natural place.

Hatha Yoga Prepares the Body

Another aspect of hatha yoga, when one wants to
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move into deeper dimensions of meditation, is that it

allows for a higher possibility of energy. If you want
your energies to surge upwards, it is very important
that the pipeline of the body is conducive. If it is
blocked, it will not work, or else, something will burst.
Preparing the body sufficiently before one goes into
more intense forms of meditation is very important.
Hatha yoga ensures that the body takes it gently and
joyfully.
For a lot of people,
spiritual growth
happens very painfully
because the necessary
preparation does not
happen. Most human
beings have
unfortunately let
themselves live in a
condition where the
external situations mold
them and direct them.
Whether it is wisdom of
the world or spiritual
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Hatha yoga
does not
mean
twisting your
body,
standing on
your head,
or holding
your breath.

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possibilities, they get the

point only when they
are knocked around by life. Even then, only some
become wise; others become wounded. It is this
possibility of transforming a potential wound into a
source of wisdom that leads one to a state of freedom.
If one has put in the necessary preparation, it can be a
very pleasant and wonderful experience of growth.
But for a majority of the people in the world, growth
happens painfully; very few people grow blissfully. It
is becoming a norm in the world that growth must be
painful. It can be done blissfully, but because both the
body and mind have not been prepared, all change
happens painfully. So, asanas prepare you for growth
and transformation by equipping you with a solid
foundation.
Today, the hatha yoga that people are learning is not
in its classical form, not in its full depth and
dimension. Largely the studio yoga that you are
seeing today is unfortunately just the physical aspect
of it. Just teaching the physical aspect of yoga is like
having a stillborn baby. That is not only no good, it is
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a tragedy. If you want a live process, it needs to be

taught in a certain way.
Hatha yoga does not mean twisting your body,
standing on your head, or holding your breath. There
was a time when I was personally teaching hatha
yoga as a two-day program. People would burst with
joy; tears of ecstasy would flow simply doing asanas.
That is the way yoga needs to be done. Unfortunately,
the hatha yoga in the world today brings peace for
some, is healthful for others is and a painful circus for
many.
Most yogis just use the simple postures to break the
limitations of who they are. That is all I learned when
I was eleven years of age just a few simple postures.
It is just the way it is done that makes the difference.

Hatha Yoga Guide

The Basics
An Introduction to the Origin of Yoga
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Sadhguru tells the story of Shiva, the first yogi and

guru, and how he transmitted yoga to his first seven
disciples, the Saptarishis.
The Guru-Shishya Paramparya
Sadhguru looks at the importance of the Guru-shishya
or Master-disciple relationship, and how it has
continued unbroken to the present day.
The Science of Hatha Yoga
Sadhguru explains that Hatha Y oga is not a physical
exercise system but a phenomenal process to prepare
the body for greater possibilities.

Asanas and Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar How It Really Works For
and Benefits You
Sadhguru looks at how Surya Namaskar is a powerful
yogic process, and gives a few tips on reaping the
maximum benefits from your practice.
Surya Kriya and Surya Shakti
Sadhguru speaks about Surya Kriya and Surya Shakti,
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two little known siblings of Surya Namaskar, that

offer different benefits.
Surya Kriya Living Without Friction
Surya Kriya is much more involved and powerful
sibling of Surya Namaskar. Sadhguru explains how
it can help us create a life free from friction.
Yoga Asanas Align With the Divine
Sadhguru looks at how an asana is a dynamic form of
meditation, and not some impressive gymnastic
maneouvre.
Why Yogic Practices are Often Done in Sets of
Three
Sadhguru explains the science behind why 3 is such
a significant number for yogic practices, and why
many asanas are performed in sets of three.

Things Y ou Should NOT Do

Why You Shouldnt Speak During Asanas
Sadhguru explains why speaking while in your asana
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not only disturbs the practice but can also cause great
harm to your system.
Why You Shouldnt Drink Water While
Practicing Yoga
Sadhguru looks at how asanas can generate ushna
or heat in the body, and drinking water during asanas
could cause damage to the system.
Why An Empty Stomach is Essential for
Practice
Sadhguru looks at how doing yoga with food in the
stomach can inhibit your practice and the upward
flow of energies.

Deepening Y our Practice

Classical Yoga: The Right Conditions
Sadhguru looks at how we can establish the right
conditions to begin and continue our practice from
showers, frequency of practice to using mirrors.
What Kind of Clothes Should You Wear For
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Yoga?
Sadhguru looks at how organic clothing can make a
phenomenal difference in ones practice and
experience.
Flexibility During Asanas
We look at what causes inflexibility in the body, and
what we can do to reduce this rigidity in body and
mind.
The Sequence of the Asanas
Sadhguru looks at how the sequence of asanas
thought in the Isha Hatha School of Y oga arises from
a close observation of how the human system
functions.
Sitting Still Settling the Mind and Body
Sadhguru looks at what it takes to sit utterly still, and
how modern society is culturing human minds in a
completely wrong way.

Supporting Y our Practices

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The Benefits and Uses of Neem, the Wonder

Leaf
The neem leaf has several medicinal benefits and uses
and is a versatile natural compound. Sadhguru looks
at how it is good for health as well as useful for those
in yogic sadhana.
Four Remarkable Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is another very beneficial natural product
that can be very supportive for ones health and also in
ones sadhana.
How Is Honey Good For You A Yogic
Perspective
Sadhguru looks at the many uses of honey, and the
best ways in which to consume it.
Foods to Avoid
We look at a few common foods that may not be
suitable for good health and offer a few alternatives to
these.
5 Tips For Healthy Eating
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Sadhguru looks at how its not just about what we eat

but also how we eat.

Isha Hatha Y oga Practices

Angamardana Mastering Your Limbs
Angamardana is a a unique system of yoga offered at
Isha that strengthens both the physical and energy
system.
Upayoga Understanding Your Body
Upayoga or sub-yoga is an introductory system that
activates the body, mind and energies, allowing one to
live a full-fledged life.
Learning in the Right Ambience
Sadhguru speaks about how learning hatha yoga in
the right space can have enormous benefits, and can
be a great support in ones journey.
21-Week Hatha Yoga Teacher Training: A
Week-by-Week Journey
We follow the trainees through their 21-week Isha
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Hatha Y oga Teacher Training, and explore how their

lives and perspectives on yoga have changed through
the program.
21-Day Isha Hatha Yoga Program
Participants of the intensive 21-day Isha Hatha Y oga
program share their experiences.

Editors Note: Isha Hatha Yoga offers a 4-day as

well as a 21-day intensive hatha yoga program at the
Isha Yoga Center. Individual hatha yoga modules are
also taught by teachers across the world. Find a
teacher near you.

You may also like

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Hata Yoga

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Comments Community

Recommend 5

Join the discussion

Rajesh

a year ago

Beautiful information - wanna make use of it.

3

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montesmira

6 hours ago

Magnifica informacin. Muchas Gracias. Love

Iswari S

Reply Share

2 months ago

Isha Hata Yoga knocks down barriers on all planes: physical, mental, emotional and energy. I feel that's how Yoga
ought to be. I wish Yoga this way all over the world. Was shocked seeing "Yoga" for babies-n-new moms on TV an
when I heard of "Yoga" done with partners, I could feel how Sadhguru would have felt when He had come across
"such new versions of Yoga". Its time we joined hands with Him and supported Isha's endeavors in bringing forth A
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Yogi's Yoga to the world. With the installation and consecration of 21-ft Adi Yogi Statues, not only will we let the wo
know Him, but also will reinforce the truth that Yoga can't be subject to distortions, which are indeed distracting the
practitioners from true well-being(https://www.ishashoppe.com/dow...

Megh

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10 months ago

Look what I found... there is one song in vairagya cd which is timed exactly to 5 breaths per minute.

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Ranjani

10 months ago

Namaskarams Sadhguru. Why this delay for my next step master after bsp?? Please help my master.
incapable of anything without your grace...help!!

Reply Share

Bharati Sharma-Grzegorzewska

a year ago

Please advise how to get this book if I live outside the India....? It is not available in UK...

Reply Share

kuku > Bharati Sharma-Grzegorzewska

a year ago

please mail address we can buy and send u

Reply Share

Yadhu > Bharati Sharma-Grzegorzewska

a year ago

Download the ebook

Reply Share

Bharati Sharma-Grzegorzewska > Yadhu

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a year ago

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Even download is not possible if u live outside India

1
Fiona Fernandes

Reply Share

a year ago

This book is not available outside India how sad!

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Janarthanam Ramalingam

a year ago

cant wait to read this book!

Reply Share

Mani

a year ago

Is there something called Pilli Sooniya ? Hw can it be prevented, i hav read about it tat some herbs wen mixed with
some ration controls others mind n physical behaviour, Hw can tat be prevented ?

Reply Share

Mag Ghee

a year ago

When will this book be available outside India - for me, as a download... ???

Reply Share

shasi > Mag Ghee

a year ago

e-book is available in ishadownloads.com

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Fiona Fernandes > shasi

a year ago

Not available outside india!

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Isis > Fiona Fernandes

a year ago

Hello !
Why it is not available outside of india ?
:(

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vs > Isis

a year ago

They're releasing a global edition soon it seems. Right now the book is only in India and
Singapore.

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This comment was deleted.

krishna > Guest

a year ago

Mr.subash,breathe less times per min increases the life span, medically proven fact.
4

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ceekaykay > Guest

a year ago

Sportsmen/athletes who enjoy better health than "normal", humans tend to have significantly lower pulse
rates. There is a big difference between the terms "normal ",and being "better" than that. Of course this log
won't appeal to so called normal minds.
2

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Subhash > ceekaykay

a year ago

It is about 'breaths' not 'pulse rate' stupid; and haven't you seen sportsmen gasping.
1
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Sridhar Aravamudhu > Subhash

a year ago

Same to you Subhash. cleanup urself..

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ABOUT Isha
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Sadhgurus own words.

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