The verse mentioned in Hatha Yoga Prdipika, "Hatham vina rajayogo rajayogam vina hathah," succinctly captures the inseparable relationship between Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. Although both are seen as different paths, in practice these are inevitable parts of the yogic journey of self-discovery.
Hatha Yoga: Beyond physical aspects
There are numerous types of yoga practices performed by people across the globe. If we observe them closely, most of them stem from the Hatha Yogic practices. However, it is generally presented and widely conceived as merely physical exercises. Contrary to the popular notion, Hatha Yoga is the bedrock upon which the entire yogic edifice is constructed.
The body and mind are interconnected; a change in the body manifests as a fluctuation in the mind and vice versa. Hatha Yoga mainly focuses on asanas and pranayama as a means to control and prepare the body to regulate the monkey mind. This is the most ancient and classical yogic practice with references in traditional texts, such as Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Pradipika, and Goraksha Pathadi.
Apart from asanas and pranayama, it also includes practices such as mudras and meditation. Hatha Yoga is about finding the balance between physical, emotional, and mental aspects to aid the body in adapting to advanced practices of yoga.
Raja Yoga: The Higher State
Raja Yoga, often referred to as the "royal path," is the quintessential goal of yogic practice. It is the journey inward, which focuses on self-realization and union with the divine. This term is not usually employed for a separate set of practices; rather, it refers to the advanced state of consciousness attained through yoga. Awakening the kundalini through different Hatha Yogic practices is also related to Raja Yoga.
Though meditation is its essence, Raja Yoga is not merely about sitting still. It results from years of dedicated practice, which quietens the mind, expanding the consciousness beyond its limitations. Pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana are important steps in Raja yoga.
Hatha Yoga: The Foundation for Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is undoubtedly the highest level of yoga, a state of deep meditation and spiritual union. However, reaching this state directly is very difficult for most people. Hatha yoga provides the practices to make the body and mind ready for this journey. Hatha Yoga is the foundation for Raja Yoga.
With the aid of practices like asana, pranayama, and shatkarmas, the body and the mind become prepared for deeper practices. As a sturdy foundation is essential for a building, Hatha yoga practices are inevitable for attaining Raja Yoga.
'Hatha' in Hatha Yoga is formed from two syllables: 'ha' and 'tha'. Here, 'ha' signifies the sun or its vital energy, and 'tha' represents the moon or the mental energy. Regular practice of Hatha Yoga aids in the synchronization of these two energy flows, leading the mind to reach a balanced state.
There is no other purpose behind the practice of Hatha Yoga. Therefore, Raja Yoga cannot be perfected or attained without approaching it through Hatha Yogic practices. The verse mentioned in this blog is presented as an explanation of Kevala Kumbhaka. Kevala Kumbhaka is instrumental in pursuing Raja yoga.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that Hatha and Raja Yoga are not sequential steps but complementary aspects of a unified process. Hatha Yoga creates the necessary conditions for the mind to settle and deepen its focus. Raja Yoga provides the direction and purpose for Hatha practices, ensuring they are not merely exercises but a medium for change.
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