Hatha yoga unites and balances opposing energy flows within the body. It emphasizes on asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing) and dhyana (meditation). Hatha Yoga is the basis of all yoga systems and is the physical part of yoga practice. The word comes from the term “ha” meaning the sun, and “tha” meaning the moon. This refers to the sun being positive, and the moon being negative.

The sun is the symbol of the expression of energy and the moon is that of the conservation of the same. Two grand processes are constantly at work in our bodies, one in which the energy is spent and the other in which the energy is acquired and conserved. The energy-consuming force is manifested by the sun principle and the energy-building force by the moon principle. Hatha yoga is that form of yoga in which concentration is acquired through the normalization and union of these two principles by breath control.

Hatha yoga is a systematic method education, which aims at the purification. rebuilding, vitalization, and control of the body to enable it to successfully undertake breath control. Breath control ultimately causes the molding of the body into the pattern most suitable for molding the mind into a form in which it is able to undergo the stages of samadhi, which is ultimate enlightenment.

Posture exercise, control exercise, contraction exercise, purificatory acts, and other processes were employed to bring about this normalization, embracing all the processes and tissues of the entire body. Under this ideal physical condition, breath control becomes really effective and leads ultimately to the state of mind in which concentration is properly developed.

Hatha yoga teaches that the relatively new role of muscles – the static transformation of the dynamic muscles, which is the basis of the development of the contemplative aspect of human existence – becomes most effective when the dynamic functioning is not ignored but rightly utilized. Hatha yoga aims at having the maximum result in concentration through the motionless of the body without sacrificing the organic soundness of the body, which can only be maintained through muscle movement.

Hatha Yoga postures range from basic to advanced. There are nearly 200 asanas, in which only half are known and practiced in the west. Every movement is planned and controlled and is proven to revitalize the mind and body. These exercises strengthen muscles, tone internal organs and improve balance and flexibility. There are lots of benefits when practicing these postures regularly in combination with proper breathing. This includes; stimulating circulation within the body, improving immunity and improving function in the digestive, hormonal, nervous and endocrine systems within the body.

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.

Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind and to explore the path of knowledge. It is the process of gaining insight and becoming drawn to pure essence. It aims at attaining liberation through knowledge and forms of expression and not by rituals or ceremonies. The knowledge attained by Jnana yoga is through understanding judgment and experience.

Ones who chooses this path perceives knowledge by reading scriptures and commentaries through conclusions collected millions of years ago. Afterward the individual can study and examine them in the light of his own intelligence, and then come to his own realization. By going through this process of Jnana Yoga individuals can gain insight, liberation and perfect realization of consciousness.

Karma Yoga emphasizes on selfless action and service, while being detached from any reward or result. It states that once you achieve selfless acts, your mind becomes pure. The word Karma means to do and the word Yoga means union. Therefore you’re on a path of union by action. This includes your will and the way you act.

Karma is like an active bank account of actions. Many proverbial sayings are based on this: you will reap what you sow, what goes around comes around and you get what you deserve. Your past karmas will affect your future.

According to Hindu philosophies, certain individuals are born with certain karma abilities, both negative and positive. This stems from past lives and push towards performing actions in the present. This process is said to continue until no more karma remains, (zero balance), then you can achieve pure liberation. Rebirth, with your karmic bank balance, is what Hindus call reincarnation. This will be the basis of your future life. That’s why one child may be born in poverty and one may not.

Karma can also be created in your current life. Your soul records an imprint of every action taken. Since karma is one of the things we take with us when we die, depending on your actions in this life, you can take go