THE SECRET YOGA: HATHA YOGA

Unfortunately, the secret is out--way out! The crass materialistic popularity of "yoga" has given birth to many gross misconceptions (putting it mildly) regarding these profoundly progressive spiritual teachings and disciplines of the Hindu religion (also found within Hinduism's offshoots: Buddhism, the Jain and Sikh religions). Not only is the most basic understanding of the integral Hindu/Yoga connection often unknown or willing concealed but also the understanding of what truly is Yoga and a Yogi has been almost completely distorted. It would seem that phony Yogis have been around for a long time as Yogi Goraknath stated over a thousand years ago: Samyag etat na janati sa yogi nama dharakah. (Such a one is not a real Yogi but a Yogi in name only.)

To the very real extent that all Hindus live a spiritual/religious lifestyle following the various Yogas (Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, Raja and Jnana), all Hindus are Yogis or practitioners of Yoga. However, the title "Yogi" is really reserved exclusively for the celibate, male Hindu devotee who has entered a very austere and isolated stage of spiritual life. After years (12 minimum) of studentship (Brahmacharya), the young Brahmachari, under the guidance of a Hindu Guru, enters into an intense time of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and, especially, Hatha and Raja Yoga.

It is quite striking to note that, to many people, the word "yoga" is (mis)used to refer only to Hatha and perhaps Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga is often also erroneously viewed as some kind of a "beginners yoga." However in the genuine tradition of the classic Yogas, Hatha Yoga, the physical exercises (which, along with worshipping the natural world, are worshipful postures exclusively to Hindu Deities), are very advanced practices to prepare for deep and prolonged states of quiet meditation or Raja Yoga and ultimate Samadhi (union with the Spiritual forces and/or Beings).

Since there is much preparation (Karma Yoga/self-less service, Bhakti Yoga/Hindu devotions/rituals and [initial] Jnana Yoga/studying the Hindu scriptures) before entering the intense life of the true Yogi, Hatha Yoga was never intended to be as "out front" as the above Yogas. Hatha Yoga is the latest in recorded development and actually considered the most minor of all the classic Yogas. It is very important to remember, however, that the profound practice of sitting in one steady, comfortable pose (asana), is Hatha Yoga. All devout Hindus learn early on to sit on the floor. All devout Hindus perform a daily worship service (puja) while sitting in one, steady, comfortable asana. Anyone who has ever been to a lengthy Hindu Temple Puja or Satsang (a gathering of devotees) will quickly realize how adept the average Hindu is at sitting in one, steady, comfortable asana.

A devout Hindu or student of Hinduism and the genuine classic Yogas knows the vital importance of the foundation of Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. In Patanjali's Astanga Yoga, the first two steps of Yama and Niyama are identical to Karma and Bhakti (and essentially completely ignored by the ignorance of modern "yoga"). It is important to note that in the South Indian Hindu tradition (from which Patanjali hailed) Karma and Bhakti are termed Chariya and Kriya (Yogam is Raja and Jnanam is Jnana).

If the Hindu chooses, it is this strong foundation that enables the devotee to safely and effectively enter the depths of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. The well-prepared Hindu Brahmachari entering the Yoga phase basically disappears from worldly contact, and therefore the notion of "meeting the Yogi" (a popular phrase of bogus Yoga) is an almost absurd notion. Without this ethical and honest foundation (to say nothing of not recognizing the Hindu/Yoga religious connection), one's success is limited and even one's safety may be jeopardized. As we will see from the following, to become a real Yogi and of course to teach involves a depth of commitment and training which the average so-called modern "Yogi/teacher" has not even begun to fathom.

One finds the first recorded evidence of Hatha Yoga in the "Hindu Bible," the Vedas. For example, in the Shvetashvatara Upanishad: "Be seated with the spinal column erect." - II.8. Subsequent to the Vedas (whose actual dates are unknown), the renowned Saivite Hindu Yogi Patanjali (circa 100 b.c.e.) wrote the famous Yoga Sutras/Darsana or one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy (darsana). After Patanjali, the first recorded evidence of a lengthy explanation of Hatha Yoga is found in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (circa1350 c.e.) written by Yogi Svatmarama. The H.Y.P is followed by the Siva and Gheranda Samhita in approx. 1650.

With the very recent development (approx. 650 years ago) of Hatha Yoga (of course never forgetting the importance of one, steady, comfortable asana), it is very interesting to note that those misrepresenting "yoga" today and focusing on Hatha Yoga often erroneously refer (to gain some measure of credibility) to an approximately 2500 year old tradition. Archeological excavations have unearthed an image of a horned Yogi sitting in a meditative asana which dates back (conservatively 5,000 years) to the (H)indus valley civilization. This river (sindhu) valley of the Hindus is the seat of the religion. The Yogi (identified as the Hindu God Siva/Prajapati [the "Herdsmen"]) sitting in one, steady comfortable pose confirms beyond a doubt the Hindu/Hatha Yoga connection. [Hinduism is also known as the Dharma (religious law) and Sanatana Dharma (or the Eternal Truth). The terms Vedic Dharma and Yoga Dharma can also be used to designate Hinduism.]

For thousands of years prior to the H.Y.P. (1350), the root (kanda) Hindu/Yoga disciplines of Karma, Bhakti (upasana), Mantra, Japa and Jnana Yoga are the most prominent forms of Yoga. Prior to this recent development of extensive Hatha Yoga (and up to the present day), is the larger body of the classical Hindu/Yoga teachings and practices. The wisdom of these progressive traditions are almost completely denied by the scam of modern so-called "yoga" though, in a non-sense way, this movement often advantageously refers to a 2500 year old "yoga tradition."

According to Patanjali, Svatmarama and Gheranda, not only is the depth of Hatha Yoga the most recent in known development but also is not even meant for the average Hindu much less the non-Hindu. Many of those who follow and misrepresent "yoga/hatha yoga" conveniently refer to the above sources perhaps to give some validation to what they are teaching, however the following excerpts from the teachings of these Hindu Yogis should prove enlightening as to the nature of one who so boldly refers to their self as "Yogi."

Since Patanjali is not around, many in the false modern "yoga movement" find it convenient to refer to this Saiva Hindu Yogi, but let us look at what Patanjali had to say about the severity of being a genuine Yogi. In the Yoga Darsana, it is recognized that Patanjali gives absolutely no mention of any asanas other than finding one steady, comfortable asana (Stirasukamasanam) - II. 46. In the next two sutras (threads/verses), Patanjali states the reasons for this one asana; i.e., to lose body consciousness and to become oblivious to the physical environment.

In the first Pada (part) of four padas Patanjali emphatically states (in what will be quite a shock to the modern "yogi"), that for those who are worldly conscious (bhava-pratyaya) [which, if we are honest, is really all of us and certainly defines the absurd modern "yoga businesses"] their way is to be videha or non-physical! - I. 19. The wisdom of all the genuine Yogis should become clear. The intense Hatha Yoga practices that deal with the physical body are not for the untrained or, by any stretch of the imagination, a beginner precisely because of what has actually happened to "yoga" today--it has become, to one degree or another, a cult of the body and personality. A wise parent, for example, does not give matches to a child for fear that the child may burn down the house. With the advent of the internet, it is easy to witness the adolescent and ego-centric nature of modern "yoga/yogi." On these web sites, picture, personality and price tag dominate.

The depths of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga and Kundalini Yoga were never meant (for good reason) for the beginner, so to speak. Like all the wise and logical Hindu Gurus, Patanjali advises those who are bhava-pratyaya to first follow reason (savitarka) and discrimination (savicara). - I. 17. Naya, or logic, is unfortunately not an always obvious recognition, however a logical standard (pramana) is recognized by all true Yogis of which Patanjali was no exception. In the beginning of his philosophy, in sutra's I. 6 & 7, Patanjali sets the standard of knowledge: pratyaksa (perception), anumana (inference) and agama. Classic Naya adds upamana (comparison) after anumana and sabda (testimony) in place of agama. This omission and addition is interesting food for thought. When Patanjali lived, there was no Christianity nor Islam, and if he knew anything of the Jewish religion, it would have been cursory. In other words, Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism surrounded Patanjali's life, and perhaps he omitted upamama since there really was no need for comparison. In the progressive steps of logic, the testimony of an individual or group is the final seal of approval. It is very interesting to note that Patanjali went right to the Agamas (very specific Saiva and perhaps Vaishnava and Tantra) Hindu scriptures.

The Sanskrit word "astanga" refers to the eight (astanga) fold path that Patanjali details towards the end of his second pada. If one honestly reads these eight steps, it is again clear that Patanjali is speaking to a very select group of Yogis in training. For example, in the first and second steps in this progressive order, Yogi Patanjali demands that the student be truthful, (satya) celibate (brahmacharya), fully devoted to Siva (Isvara Pranidhana) and to not receive (aparigraha) . With this foundation, asana or Hatha Yoga is to be practiced. How many modern so-called "Yogis" (and falsely "certified" at that) are truthful about the nature of the classic Hindu/Yogas; put asana in its proper place; practice celibacy; are fully devoted to Siva and do not receive money for their so-called "teachings?" The insult to Patanjali (and indeed to all Hindus and serious students of the classic Yogas) has been further and blatantly perpetuated in the perversion known as "Power Yoga" which also makes the false claim of being representative of Astanga Yoga.

The first popularly recognized treatise on Hatha Yoga goes back only 650 years ago to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika written by Guru Svatmarama. Let us look at what this Hindu Yogi had to say about the real practice of Hatha Yoga and who is considered a genuine Yogi. Like all genuine Hatha Yogis, Svatmarama first begins by paying obeisance only to Siva (Adinatha) who is considered the original "author" of Hatha Yoga. In verse 11, Svatmarama warns that "the Yogi should keep the knowledge of Hatha Yoga secret." Svatmaram, too, is speaking to well-prepared male Hindu would-be Yogis. With the foundation of Brahmacharya (typically 12 years of celibate studentship), he lays down a minimum of one year of intense Hatha/Raja Yoga practice - I. 59. As we will see, this practice far exceeds the modern notion of becoming a "certified Yogi" (in as little as 200 hours, or whatever ridiculous number). In verse 63, the Guru warns his students against associating with women and to actually avoid too much bodily exertion! A genuine Hindu Yogini (female) would give the same warning to her female students about associating with men. Remember that the intense trainging of the Yogi/Yogini is very different than the normal and natural coed experience of the daily life and Yoga practices of the vast majority of Hindus which, again, reinforces the depth of what it truly is to be a Yogi/Yogini.

In Chapter II verse 50, Yogi Svatmarama clearly lays out the daily practice of the would-be Yogi (remembering that this intense phase takes place subsequent to twelve years of Brahmacharya). To paraphrase, he says:

Begin the day at 4 a.m. (Usa Kala). After answering the calls of nature, the Yogi applies ashes (Bhasma) and pays obeisance to one's Guru and Deity. Vinayaka (Ganesha) and The Lord of Nagas (Siva) is to be invoked for the success of the day's practice with the goal of attaining Samadhi. Hatha Yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation then commences until noon. The morning session is to end with devotions (Bhakti Yoga) submitting the will entirely to Ishvara (Siva).

At noon, the Yogi takes a warm bath followed by a light meal and a short rest. The entire afternoon is spent reading Hindu scriptures (he specifically mentions the Puranas) followed by Japa Yoga (repetitive chants to the Hindu Spiritual Beings) and more Hatha Yoga.

At sunset, a puja is performed followed by meditation until midnight. A brief period of Hatha Yoga is done at midnight, and then the Yogi sleeps until 4 a.m. when the practice starts all over again seven days a week for at least one year.

There are two other popular works on the recent development of Hatha Yoga, the Siva Samhita and Gheranda Samhita. Both of these Hindu scriptures are dated to approx. 1650. The author of the former is attributed to Lord Siva while the latter to the once living Yogi Gheranda.

The Siva Samhita begins with a salutation to Lord Siva "the bestower of deliverance upon all beings." - I. 2. In verse 19, one is warned to keep the depths of Hatha Yoga secret and "It may be passed on only to the most devoted and great souls in all three worlds." The practice is described in Chapter III. 22-23.: The Yogi first bows to the Guru, Ganesa, Ambika (Duruga) and Ksetrapala (Siva). Similar to all the classic instructions, in verses 36-38, the things the Yogi are to avoid are cheating, stealing, pride and company of women, to name a few. Among the observances, the Yogi is to study [Hindu] scriptures and sing the praises of [the Hindu "God"] Siva, to name a few. - 40-42.

Chapter V of the Siva Samhita begins with the Hindu Goddess Pravati (Siva's consort) asking Siva about the hindrances and observances to the Yogi. In verse 2, Siva says: Women, a cosy bed or seat, fine clothes, wealth--all are deceptive. In verse 6, Siva lists the virtuous actions such as: prayers, performing homa [Hindu fire puja], silence and pilgrimage, to name a few. In verse 62, Siva again warns: This yoga is most secret and is not to be divulged indiscriminately to all. It should be told only to those who are positively qualified to receive it.

The severity of the Raja Yoga disciplines (found in the last Chapter V) are readily noticeable in the culmination of Siva's teachings to the would-be Yogi. In verses 241-243, Siva instructs that after the Yogi obtains sacred Mantras from his Guru; then prays to Mother Parvati "in accordance with the rites prescribed in the scriptures" and repeats the Mantras three hundred thousand times. The Yogi then must perform a Homa/fire puja chanting one hundred thousand times. Siva further instructs the Yogi to seek to eventually complete up to ten million repetitions of the sacred Mantras! And, again, in verse 259, Siva says: All yogis aspiring for success must keep this Hathayoga a zealously-guarded secret. It weakens when it becomes know to all.

In the last of the relatively popular and authoritative works on Hatha Yoga, the Gheranda Samhita, we find the same seriousness concerning this secret Hindu Yoga. Of course the Gheranda begins by invoking Adinatha (Siva) who has taught this science of Hathayoga, which is the best means for climbing up to Rajayoga for all those who desire to do so. Of course Gheranda is speaking to any young Hindu man who has prepared himself through the twelve year stage of Brahmacharya. This Samhita actually begins as story of the young yoga aspirant Candakapali going to the ashram of Yogi Gheranda. The young Brahmacharya bows to the Guru and asks to be taught.

In the first four lessons, Yogi Gheranda details the asanas, breathing and cleansing techniques that are so popular and taken completely out of context by modern so-called "yoga." In lesson five, Gheranda, too, educates one in the things to avoid and to cultivate such as: avoid going out in the streets, the company of women, to name a few. The Yogi is instructed to meditate on the Hindu Trimurthy: Brahma, Visnu and Siva. - 47-50; and the Yogi must daily recite the Gayatri Mantra 21,600 times. - 83.

Wow! So where does that leave us today? Certainly any non-Hindu (Buddhist, Jain or Sikh) who calls their self a "certified yoga teacher" should immediately abandon any such counterfeit titles. Even the Hindu who has not undergone the intense life of the Yogi cannot simply assume the title of "Yogi." If one is not a qualified Hindu (Buddhist, Jain or Sikh) and makes the pretense of teaching (Hatha) Yoga or being a Yogi, such an individual is committing blatant fraud. This fraud (which comes from the ego) is deepened by the so-called "business of yoga" wherein the fraudulent teacher charges a fee for what is essentially a fraudulent practice. So-called schools of "yoga" that charge fees and make (fraudulent) so-called "certified yoga teachers" should close up shop and enter into some form of honest business. To the extent that many have been misled and often even by naive Hindu teachers, the misperceptions are somewhat understandable--though even Webster's Dictionary going back at least as far as the early 1900's always made clear the Yoga/Hindu connection. The perversion of (Hatha) Yoga is a serious problem that intelligent, honest and compassionate individuals and groups could rectify. Of course if one is not a Hindu (Buddhist, Jain or Sikh), one should immediately cease this fraudulent and bigoted behavior. It is a sad fact that, historically, arrogant invaders have simply taken/stolen what they wanted from other cultures and religions. Many of these terrorists have also been very effective in wiping out whole cultures and religions.

There are several options to the problem: stretching exercises based on Hatha Yoga are of course open to anyone. One could also honestly charge a fee for an exercise class. Individuals at this level could honestly attend stretch and relaxation classes taught by those more proficient in stretching exercises. However, in this scenario, one should never be under the illusion that they are learning (Hatha) yoga or studying from a teacher of (Hatha) Yoga. Of course anyone who is not a Hindu and truly interested in the classic Hindu Yogas and perhaps teaching, must first enter into the study of the Hindu religion. After sufficient learning and experience and severing any other formal religious commitments, the serious student may ceremoniously enter into the Hindu religion. After this vital preparation, one may teach the important basics of the Hindu/Yogic religion and perhaps even some rudimentary Hatha Yoga.

Like all the classic Yogas, Hatha Yoga truly is a wonderful part of the Hindu spiritual disciplines and has been (for better or worse) widely taught on many levels. The asanas, breathing and relaxation techniques are highly beneficial. In these times, anyone (man or women) who so desires could certainly learn a very simple form of Hatha Yoga from a qualified Hindu teacher (man or women) while leaving the more intense and "secret" aspects to the devout Hindu devotee.

Its an open secret. Secret is sacred - Yogaswami

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