(cont.)
ASANAS DEDICATED TO HINDU SAINTS
KAPILASANA to SAGE KAPILA
VAISSTHASANA to the VEDIC SAGE VASISTHA
KASYAPASANA to KASYAPA (created from BRAHMA)
VIRABHADRASANA to VIRABHADRA (created from SIVA)
VHARADVAJASANA to BHARADVAJA
VISVAMITRASANA to VISVAMITRA
ASANAS DEVOTED TO THE MAHADEVAS OF
HINDUISM
NATARAJASANA to SIVA NATARAJA
RUCHIKASANA to VISHNU
BHAIRAVASANA to SIVA
SKANDASANA to SKANDA
ANANTAASANA to VISHNU
GAURUDASANA to GAURUDA (VISHNU'S VAHANA)
MATSYENDRASANA to SHIVA as YHOGIRAJ
HANUMANASANA to HANUMAN
Obviously, then, Hatha Yoga is not just another exercise routine, for a fee and taught by non-Hindus. These facts should go without saying, but since so many have perverted Hatha Yoga into just an exercise, it is important to know the facts:
* YOGA means religious/spiritual union, thus one does not charge a fee for
intimate yoga/religious/spiritual teachings–this would be like charging
money to get into a church, for example. Religious/spiritual traditions survive
on good-will donations and perhaps from publications, etc. which are, of
course, generally available for a fee.
* HATHA YOGA is one aspect of Hinduism–the religion of Classical
Yoga.
* HATHA YOGA is the third step (preceded by Karma and Bhakti Yoga or Ethics
& Devotion) in these progressive Hindu disciplines.
* HATHA YOGA is meant to prepare the body, mind and emotions
for RAJA YOGA or meditation.
* HATHA YOGA teachers (not necessarily students–all are welcome to study)
are, basically, qualified Hindus.