What Does Hatha Mean?
Ha Tha is to balance the body, spirit + mind. Ha is translated into "sun", referring the masculine aspects within each of us– physical body, active, warmth– known as the Right side of the body. Tha is translated into "moon", the feminine aspects– mind, heart, cool– the Left side of the body.
The physical exercises, asanas, were designed to help the energy in the body, the Right and Left side flow more freely– aligning the skin, muscles and bones. We are full of opposites, each of us containing a Ha (masculine) and Tha (feminine), a Right and Left side, a physical body and thoughtful mind. Hatha yoga is a path to create balance and bring together these opposites, to find the strength and agility through the physical postures and find balance mentally with exertion and equal parts surrender.
Hatha yoga isn't a particular practice style of yoga. It is an umbrella term that includes all styles of physical yoga practice. Some styles are relatively new practices (Kundalini, Iyengar, Anusara, Bikram, Ashtanga), some are more traditional. They're all hatha yoga– a powerful tool for self-transformation, connection and harmony.
