Hatha Yoga in Modern Practice

One cannot help but compare our modern Yoga practices and adaptations with the classic, time honoured and traditional Indian ways which seem to represent the ideal. Thoughts of quiet places of seclusion where one could serve a Guru or Master, caring for and being cared for in the simple natural surroundings of the ashram-these remain a Utopian ideal to some spiritual aspirants who favour the meditative life.

In contrast, amidst the environment of the rush and turmoil of a confused social order in the process of undergoing great changes and reconsiderations of all values, material, moral and spiritual, a modern yogi struggles to maintain his equilibrium. Although there are some special retreats where silence can be experienced as a reality, there is little to encourage quiet atmosphere and even the sanctuaries are being invaded by noise.

The modern yogi must try to stand firm in the face of chaotic external influences and to be particularly well disciplined to avoid the internal chaos of mind and emotions which is generated by negative vibrations and thoughts impinging from outside. We are all surrounded by influences which are detrimental to health and serenity of soul and we must retain our integrity and face these challenges.

We must be aware of all the problems which prevent health, and most of these are now beginning to be recognized and sometimes addressed in the community, except those to which people are addicted by habit rather than by conscious and intelligent choice. These could be considered to include drugs, Coca Cola, fast foods, alcohol, tobacco, rock music, casual sex, tight jeans, petrol sniffing, mobile phones, TV, videos and even motor cars and travel. Most excessive or unwholesome habits are generated or sustained by greed and sensationalism instead of a balanced and reasonable appreciation of the natural and wholesome pleasures of life.

Only by experiencing good health can we generate the vitality to be able to counteract the situation and fulfil our Dharma by offering a positive energy as contribution towards a change for the better. Hatha Yoga is inevitably linked with Karma Yoga activity, in a life of disciplined creative activity. Health then becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. And nowadays we must work with even more diligence upon the positive practices which will allow us to build a healthy condition of mind and body.

Hatha Yoga classical disciplines will all contribute. They have proven effective throughout the centuries. Most of us today are prepared to happily extend our hygiene practices, attend to skin care, practise breathing exercises, physical exercises, asanas, improve our diet and enjoy relaxation and meditation.

By application of the Hatha Yoga philosophy of balance, and detailed attention to all the instructions for naturally building health you will achieve your ideal, but only if you can approach your practice with enthusiasm and are willing to substitute positive habits for the negative ones.

• Pratyahara Yoga
• Dharana Yoga
• Yoga: Vedas
• Yoga Paths: The Margas