TV Channel

Good morning. Welcome. This weekend, we will explore the subject of Haṭha Yoga. Yoga is called by many names. In the Bhagavad Gītā, the eighteen chapters are themselves called eighteen different kinds of yoga, encompassing Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jñāna Yoga, Sannyāsa Yoga, and others. Where shall we begin? According to Patañjali's teaching in the Patañjali Yoga Sūtra—a profound book concerning not just physical exercise but also the mind, consciousness, and vṛttis—the yogas are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jñāna Yoga, and Rāja Yoga. We are familiar with these. So, where does Haṭha Yoga fit in? These are the different branches. There are two or three definitions. In one common explanation, there are said to be four types of Haṭha Yoga. The first is Bāl Haṭha. Bāl means child. A small child, wanting something, will cry and cry until the parent relents and says, "Okay, take it." This is the will of an innocent child. The second is Strī Haṭha—the willpower of women. If they want something, they will achieve it. In my opinion, if all our sisters and mothers learn good cooking, through this good cooking we can bring people back to our nature. We will save many creatures, and world peace can be achieved through our mothers and sisters. They have the capacity and understanding to do it. The third is Rāj Haṭha. Rāj means king. When a king wants to do something, he does it. He changes the law, commands "do this, do that." The fourth is Yogī Haṭha. This is the yogī who strives to achieve. So, in local language, the four Haṭha Yogas are Bāl Haṭha, Strī Haṭha, Rāj Haṭha, and Yogī Haṭha. Now, there is another definition of Haṭha Yoga. It requires discipline and may involve initial discomfort, but one strives to achieve. Examples are Netī, Sūtra Netī, Jala Netī, and Dhautī. This is yogic willpower. Further, Haṭha Yoga pertains to the nervous system, specifically the three primary nāḍīs: Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and Suṣumṇā. The Iḍā nāḍī is associated with the mantra "Ha," as in the Ājñā Cakra mantra So'ham. According to the nāḍīs, "Ha" represents Iḍā and "Tha" represents Suṣumṇā. When Ha and Tha—Iḍā and Suṣumṇā—come into balance and meet, that union is called Yoga. Hence, Haṭha Yoga. This definition comes from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra and other books of great yogīs. This connects to Kuṇḍalinī and the cakras, leading to the awakening of inner willpower and inner exercise. This is Haṭha Yoga. There is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice in Haṭha Yoga called Ṣaṭkarma (Ayurveda has Pañcakarma; here karma means techniques or practices). The six techniques (Ṣaṭkarma) are: Netī, Dhautī, Bastī, Naulī, Trāṭak, and Kapālabhātī. These are the classical techniques of Haṭha Yoga. The āsanas are not part of this primary six. Nowadays, especially in Western countries, when people say they practice Haṭha Yoga, they typically mean āsanas and prāṇāyāmas. But classically, according to the yogīs, the given techniques are these six kriyās. We then proceed further with meditation, mantras, and our spiritual achievements. This is very important. Regarding the techniques: Netī is for cleaning the nostrils. We use a neti pot, a Netī Loṭā, which looks like a tea kettle. Use warm water, slightly warmer than body temperature, with good clean salt (sea salt is good). Always do it in the morning before breakfast. If done later, do not sleep for at least three hours afterward, or you may get headaches or sinus problems. Always begin with the left nostril. This applies to prāṇāyāma as well, and to āsanas when starting with hands or legs—begin with the left side. The left nostril is connected to the left hemisphere of the brain. Often, when someone has a brain hemorrhage, the left side of the body becomes paralyzed. Therefore, it is said we should first awaken, purify, and warm this nāḍī. So, we begin with the left side, then proceed to the right. We call these the Candra-nāḍī (moon channel) and Sūrya-nāḍī (sun channel). The moon changes daily, from full moon to dark night and back. The principle of the moon is the mind. The mind always changes and is connected with the water element, which is a moving element. Our mind, connected to our body, guides our thoughts and movements. It is always changing, as are our emotions. This is connected to the moon. By balancing the moon nāḍī, our mind becomes concentrated and returns to calm. That is why a yogī first uses the left nostril, to calm the mind for meditation. Maṅka Devtā, the principle of the mind, is the moon, the principle of water and emotion. This is connected to our Haṭha Yoga. So, when beginning prāṇāyāma, start with the left nostril. This is called Nāḍī Śodhana—purification of the channels. First, we purify and open the Iḍā Nāḍī. The first stage is Candra Bhedana or Candra Śodhana (lunar piercing/purification). You inhale through the left and exhale through the right. Repeat this to purify the Iḍā Nāḍī. Then, take the Sūrya-nāḍī (right nostril). Inhale and exhale only through the right nostril fifteen times, then rest. Use longer, deeper breaths. This is called Sūrya Bhedana Śodhana. Then, inhale through the right and exhale through the left. This purifies and awakens the right nostril. After this comes Anuloma Viloma, where we touch the point called Yoga. We will explore this tomorrow. Remember this summary: According to the Bhagavad Gītā, there are eighteen different ways of yoga. According to Patañjali, there are four primary yogas: Karma, Bhakti, Rāja, and Jñāna. Then there is Haṭha Yoga, Kuṇḍalinī Yoga, Sahajī Yoga, Brāhmārī Yoga, and many others. But all must go through the Iḍā and Piṅgalā. This was our introduction to Haṭha Yoga. Tomorrow we will have a demonstration and continue. Bless you all. God bless you, and may you receive the blessings of Mahāprabhujī for your good journey. We will now chant Aum eleven times, connecting with the navel, heart, vocal cords, and Sahasrāra.