The Hatha yoga is considered as a branch or part of yoga which only emphasize on physical exercise and workout. This is done to master the body along with the mind and withdraw them from other external objects. In Sanskrit, Hatha means force. This term gives a broader concept of yoga. According to this term the practice of yoga was considered to be the most challenging job and always forced its results to happen. The term hath yoga consists of set of supplementary physical techniques within the broader concept of yoga. 

The Role of the Nath Tradition in the Development of Hatha Yoga

The Gorkhnath, the nath yogi tradition of shaivsim have orginated the hatha yoga. It is said that  the origins of hatha yoga come from them. however as per James Mallinson, the Hatha yoga as more ancient roots of its existence. The various range of sectarian yoga tradittions was developed through Hatha yoga. Out of those innovations, one of them was practiced by the household people known as grihastha.  The one of the important innovations in hath yoga is associated with Dashanami Sampradya which is the mystical figure of Dattatreya. 

How Hatha Yoga Aligns the Body, Mind, and Spirit

However the word hatha, can be translated in my ways, but mainly it is translated in two ways namely which are willful and forceful. This yoga is designed in such a way to align and calm the body, mind and spirit of preparation of meditation. The science of using the body to hasten your evolutionary process is also known as hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is also considered as 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 Yogasanas and Body Awareness

Some people consider hatha yoga only as exercise. But hatha yoga is not only an exercise it also means understanding the mechanics of body creating a certain atmosphere, and then using body postures to drive your energy in specific directions which is what hatha yoga or yogasanas are about. In this case, “Asana” means a “posture.”  Yogasana is a type of posture which helps you to reach the higher nature. However this can be explained in a simplest way, just observe a person whom you know from quite a long time. Just try to see the position or the way he sits when he is happy, sad, emotional, angry etc. this shows that for every emotional states you pass through your body tends to change accordingly. This change in postures is considered as science of asanas. Through this you can elevate your consciousness by just consciously get your body into different postures. 

Read More: Bhakti Yoga – The path of Pure Love and Devotion

The hatha yoga is also considered as a practice which more emphasize processes to internally purify the body, proper breathing and its regulation particularly during the yoga practice, and the exercise routine consisting of asanas (bodily postures). This methodology sometimes also includes surya namaskar which means salute to sun. 

The body is a one which can act as a means to your spiritual growth or as it can also become a major barrier.