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Philosophy of Hatha Yoga
“The practice of hatha yoga is incomplete unless some of these subtler forces and essences such as mind and prana are understood” - From Preface
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1977
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June 30, 2025
This book has completely transformed the way I approach my hatha yoga practice. Swami Veda Bharati's (formerly Usharbudh Arya) book, "The Philosophy of Hatha Yoga", extends far beyond the physical—it reveals the subtle, meditative, and devotional dimensions of Hatha Yoga with clarity and reference to traditional texts.
One of the most inspiring aspects for me is Swami Veda’s early emphasis in the book—echoing the classical text Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama —that Hatha Yoga is not an end in itself, but a means to Raja Yoga. He beautifully reinforces that the goal of Hatha Yoga is to prepare the body and mind for dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and ultimately samadhi (absorption). This grounding in the traditional purpose of the practice transformed my hatha yoga practice and gave it new meaning and direction.
Another insight that stayed with me is the practice of mentally performing an asana before doing it physically. This deepens awareness, bringing smoothness, precision, and inner stillness to each movement.
Swami Veda also reintroduces asana as an act of worship. Practising Surya Namaskar with the twelve divine names (mantras) of the Sun becomes a profound expression of devotion and contemplation through the body.
Swami Ji references to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—particularly the teaching on relaxation of effort - "prayatna-shaithilya" in entering, holding, and surrendering in an asana—shifted my practice from striving to surrender to the divine.
This is a quiet but powerful book, ideal for any practitioner seeking to align their physical practice with the deeper path of meditation and inner transformation.
One of the most inspiring aspects for me is Swami Veda’s early emphasis in the book—echoing the classical text Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama —that Hatha Yoga is not an end in itself, but a means to Raja Yoga. He beautifully reinforces that the goal of Hatha Yoga is to prepare the body and mind for dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and ultimately samadhi (absorption). This grounding in the traditional purpose of the practice transformed my hatha yoga practice and gave it new meaning and direction.
Another insight that stayed with me is the practice of mentally performing an asana before doing it physically. This deepens awareness, bringing smoothness, precision, and inner stillness to each movement.
Swami Veda also reintroduces asana as an act of worship. Practising Surya Namaskar with the twelve divine names (mantras) of the Sun becomes a profound expression of devotion and contemplation through the body.
Swami Ji references to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—particularly the teaching on relaxation of effort - "prayatna-shaithilya" in entering, holding, and surrendering in an asana—shifted my practice from striving to surrender to the divine.
This is a quiet but powerful book, ideal for any practitioner seeking to align their physical practice with the deeper path of meditation and inner transformation.
Displaying 1 of 1 review