HARI! OM!
Q. 1. What does the word hatha mean? A. 1. Hatha (हठ योग विद्या) in Sanskrit literally means stubborn practice of yoga without interference of five senses and mind. Hatha Yoga is a Discipline of Force, a school of Yoga that stresses mastering of body as a way of attaining state of spiritual perfection, in which the mind is withdrawn from external objects. Q. 2. What is meant by Raja Yoga? A. 2. Raja Yoga also called Ashtanga Yoga ( as divided into 8 limbs) is a re-integration of self with the Universal Self (Brahman) Raja Yoga is the yoga of the mind and body control with a focus on meditation and energetics, encouraging teachings from different paths.
Q.3. the glory of Hatha Yoga? A.3. Hatha Yoga is a stairway to heights of Raja Yoga, a sanctuary for those suffering every type of pain. Hatha Yoga is the foundation for those practicing every type of yoga. Hatha Yoga focuses on wellbeing of physical body and includes all asanas. Through Hatha Yoga, body flexibility improves, gives a positive immunity and physical strength. By Hatha Yoga mastering the Body and Spiritual Perfection is attained. Lord Shiva himself taught the science of hatha yoga to Matsyendranath Yogi and through to Yogi Gorakshanath. Mastering and practice of Hatha Yoga give steadiness, good health, lightness to body. Hatha awakens the kundalini and thereby destroys the multitude of deadly diseases. Hatha Yoga opens the doors to liberation. So, it’s all a glory for Hatha Yoga but the hatha yoga pradipika says it should be attempted and practiced only and only with a Guru’s teachings, who has mastered and the same.
Q. 4. What are the key points to attain success in Hatha Yoga? A. 4. The key points to attain success in Hatha Yoga are that; the yogi should live in secluded hut free of stones, fire, dampness to a distance of 4 cubits and the country should be one that is properly governed, virtuous, prosperous and peaceful. The hatha yoga is potent when concealed and has to be kept secret. The hut for the hatha yoga need be with small door, no windows, and no rat holes and shouldn’t be too high or too long or too low but should be well plastered with cow dung and clean with long free ground. The hut should be beautified by an arbor, a raised platform and a Well.
Moderate diet is the main yama and non-violence is the fundamental niyama. Therefore, precisely, over eating, over exerting, talking too much are not allowed. Also, performing needless austerities, socializing and restlessness are not allowed. The yogi should not be collecting or looking for material things, should remain truthful, listen to positive things and do prayers regularly and follow Brahamacharyam. Living in the hut, following the aforesaid niyamas, the yogi should be free of anxieties and practice yoga earnestly as taught by one’s guru. The yogi doing Hatha yoga should be enthusiastic, determined, courageous, open minded and seeker of knowledge of the truth and remain in solitude for success in the Hatha Yoga
Q.5. What are the general benefits of Asanas? A.5. the general benefits of Asanas are Steadiness, Health, light-weightedness of the body. The mind becomes peaceful and be always happy. The yogi obtains victory over himself and can attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (निर्विकल्प समाधि), ie. Transcending the identification with the BMI Complex, meditate and rest in vast ocean of Pure Consciousness.
Q.6. Write about
Dhanurasana and Matsyendra Asana. A.6. Matsyendrasana (मत्स्येन्द्रासन)-Lord of
Fishes Pose, is a seated twisting asana as in Hatha Yoga. The posture is, one foot is placed flat on
the floor outside the opposite leg and the torso twists towards the top leg.
The bottom leg may be bent with the foot outside the opposite hip or extended
with toes vertically. The arms help lever the torso into the twist and may be
bound. This asana regulates the Agni Thathvam in Stomach and by fanning the
fire generates hunger and increases the appetite. Matsyendrasana has the
potential to destroy all dangerous diseases. Regular and constant practice can
awaken the Kundalini. Also the Matsyendrasana can give all required body
nourishment by itself through the Amritha Dhara from Mooladhara to Sahasrahara.
Dhanurasana, is a
Bow and arrow pose with the arrow out stretched, in a ready to shoot pose.
Bending the right leg up to the right ear such that the Big Toe touches the
right ear. The left leg stretched out and left hand touches the left Big Toe.
The benefits of
the Dhanurasana is that it keeps mind peaceful, enable good and control over
thoughts, stimulates the Digestive System / Tracts, Diabetes is cured or
prevented and women’s problems are solved.
Overall, Steadiness of Mind & Body, Body Flexibility, Appetite, Light-weightedness and prevention of all diseases are the benefits.
Q.
7. According to hatha yoga pradipika
what are the four important asanas taught by Sri Siva? What are their
benefits? A. 7. The four important asanas taught by Sri Siva are Siddhasana(Adept
pose), Padmasana(Lotus pose), Simhasana (Lion’s pose)and Bhadrasana (gracious
pose) and among these 4, siddhasana is best. Siddhasana removes impurities from
72000 nadis and open the door to liberation. Padmasana is the destroyer of all dieseases.
Simhasana is an excellent asana,held in high esteem by Yogi and facilitates the
3 bandhas. Bhadrasana also destroys all dieseases
Q. 8. What is
meant by nadi suddhi and what is its use? A.
8. Nadi Suddhi (नाडी शुद्धि) is simple
prayanama technique by which the cleansing
and purification of Nadis takes place by alternatively inhaling from 1
nostril and exhaling from the other. The air circulation in the body becomes
free flowing and uniform. By doing Nadi Suddhi the body and mind becomes calm. Nadi
Suddhi use is that it helps improve
neuro-muscular coordination, blood circulation, blood pressure and relieves body
ache. This slow breathing technique causes blood vessels to relax and
widen, thereby improving cardiovascular health.
Q. 9. What are
the shata karmas? What is the purpose of doing them? A.
9. The षटकर्म, literally six
actions are Dhauti (धौति ), Vasti (वस्ति ), Neti (नेति), Tratakam (त्राटकं),
Nauli ( नौलि
) and Kapalabhathi ( कपालभाति) are a set of Hatha yoga purifications of the body, to prepare for the main
work of hatha yoga towards moksha (liberation).
Once the shat karmas are done the Pranayaam becomes easy. As a byproduct, one can also benefit with strength to body, sense organs &
digestion, solve eye, psychological, laziness problems, body will be light
weighted, toxins will go, overall body will be fit.
Q. 10. What are
the eight types of kumbhaka pranayamam? A.
10. The eight types of Kumbhaka Pranayamam are Surya Bhedanam(सूर्य भेदनम् )-Warming Breath Work focused on right
nostril , Ujjayi(उज्जायी)- Ocean Breath, Seetkaari(सीतकारी),Sheetali (शीतली)- Cooling
Breath, Bhasthrikaa(भस्त्रिका)- Bellows
Breath, Bhramari(भ्रामरी)- Humming
Bee Breath, Moorcha(मूर्च्छा)-
Fainting or Swooning breath inhaling slowly and holding for extended period and
Plaavinee(प्लाविनी)- Against The Wave
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