|  | Mental Health | Stress

Definition of Hatha Yoga

Yoga has grow in popularity in the Western world as a way to cope with ever more demanding and stressful lives, according to recent participation surveys published by "Yoga Journal." Drawn from the Sanskrit words "ha" and "tha," meaning sun and moon respectively, Hatha Yoga is regarded as the most prominent form of this demanding, yet gentle form of exercise.

  1. Origins of Hatha

    • Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati

      Like many eastern philosophies, Hatha Yoga began from a story. In this case, the traditional Hindi tale is that the concepts of yoga were passed in secret by the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, to his wife, the Goddess Parvati, on a lonely island. But they were overhead by a fish, who Shiva forgave and turned into a master and teacher. The best-known texts were written by the 16th century sage Swami Swatmarama, who taught that purification of the body led to purification of the mind.

    Main Concepts

    • Physically demanding asanas, or poses, lead to mental well-being.

      The principles of Hatha Yoga are derived from its name, which refer to the joining of powerful forces. In its most basic concept, the art is to bring together the physically demanding postures, or asanas, with the mental calmness of breathing, or pranayama, and meditation to a holistic exercise that Western practise helps relieve the stress of modern life. Bright eyes, a cheerful face and a sense of well-being are said to be among the benefits.

    Hatha Yoga in the West

    • Yoga classes became popular in Hollywood in the 1940s

      The history of yoga in the America goes back to the late 19th century when Pierre Arnold Bernard (Iowa-born Perry Baker) opened a school in San Francisco. Yoga only became popular in the late 1940s when a studio opened in Hollywood by Indra Devi (Latvian-born Eugenie Peterson) attracted such celebrities as Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and Ben Gurion. Even Marilyn Monroe was photographed in a demanding backbend pose

    Yoga in America

    • Americans spend $6 billion a year on yoga equipment and classes.

      There have been two polls conducted in recent years, both by the research company Harris International for the magazine "Yoga Journal." The 2005 survey identified more than 16 million converts and an industry worth $3 billion a year. Three years later, the numbers had doubled, with 32 million practising or interested in yoga, spending $6 billion on classes or products.

Stress - Related Articles