A Few Hatha Yoga Articles

A few Hatha Yoga articles from the Isha Blog. Contents are given below.

The Basics

An Introduction to the Origin of Yoga
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 Yoga 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, 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 You Should NOT Do

Why You Shouldn’t Speak During Asanas
Sadhguru explains why speaking while in your asana not only disturbs the practice but can also cause great harm to your system.

Why You Shouldn’t 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 Your 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 Yoga?
Sadhguru looks at how organic clothing can make a phenomenal difference in one’s 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 Yoga 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.

Isha Hatha Yoga 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 one’s journey.

21-Week Hatha Yoga Teacher Training: A Week-by-Week Journey
We follow the trainees through their 21-week Isha Hatha Yoga 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 Yoga program share their experiences.

Supporting Your Practices

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 one’s health and also in one’s 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
Sadhguru looks at how it’s not just about what we eat but also how we eat.