Hatha Yoga – The Body and its sacred forms
Observing a body in a yoga pose evokes a corresponding psychological tendency, an image says much more than words can express. The sanctity of the forms revealed through the symbolism of the asanas is a vast range, from forms of various animals, insects, trees and even heavenly bodies. The salutations to the Sun and the Moon, which render the majesty of nature to the fullest by their perpetual motion in the sky, are reflected in man with his biological clock. We are macrocosmically connected to everything, and we contain wholeness, yoga is a reminder.
All creatures with their different qualities represent persons of the same mother, mother nature. Her various faces whisper softly and imperceptibly to us the sounds of her elements. One has to dive very deep within oneself to become a listener of the wisdom that the sun, the moon, the crow and a tree can offer and listen to the meanings. It is about deep concentration. It is no coincidence that the great yogis with their close and accurate observation of mother nature thousands of years ago invented asanas to identify physical elements, and there must surely be a reason for this!
When we hear the word Nature, the first thing that comes to our mind is greenery, beautiful trees, and fields with flowers. And there are so many things we learn from nature if we keep our senses open, with a positive focus of mind, with awareness and willingness. With such an attitude in life one will never be short of any solutions to any problems or obstacles. This is how yoga teaches through parables of wisdom that have emerged from the observation of nature.
The forms that the asanas reveal are the mysterious beauty of the body, because the body's ability to take the form desired by its navigator is mysterious, at the same time stimulating archetypal forces within it. Corresponding mechanisms are triggered in the brain to feed the body with the appropriate neuro-chemistry and our emotional state changes, based on the chemistry secreted in our body, of course.
Many people wonder if energy therapies are preferable to yoga in some cases. Yoga is an irreplaceable system because it represents the journey to our higher self, the completion, the immersion into it.
The body is the reflection of the soul. Approaching oneself within oneself is an art. The autonomy offered by learning yoga can never be compared to an energy "service" or a treatment that someone else will do for us. There is a long distance from energy enhancement, guidance, healing, to a system of approaching the higher self that a yogi works with.
Someone who knows the asanas is able to know what their body needs at any given time. So well does he know the point of balance for his organism, that he often feels the need of the particular muscular movement to be exercised for relief. So the yogi knows what he needs and provides his body with the appropriate supplies for longevity, maximum health, taking care of his diet, physical exercise and mental exercise. His psychosomatic state and his psychosomatic chemistry are guided by the stimulation of the mechanisms that repair his system, "energetically" and on a material level. The link between the two is breathing. Everything literally depends on the breath, and the benefits of asanas are also as deep as our breath. Breathing is a science that can basically start by changing insufficient breathing to full breathing, and then through exercise it becomes the way we handle all the energy in the body, and therefore the thought. Pranayama in meditation is necessary initially for balancing and homeostasis of energy.
The different qualities of prana, which circulates everywhere in the universe around us, also exist within us and in different parts of the body the prana is different.
At the mental level the flow of prana is achieved through meditation. On a practical level one can observe the energy flows especially strongly during the balance postures. These asanas such as the Warrior's Pose or the Half Moon make two aspects of energy apparent, but more bipolarly assessed qualities of energy can enhance the concentration and focus of our potential, or vice versa, cause imbalance. But the most important thing about these balance asanas is that they focus on the center of gravity more than the rest of the asanas and show us our weaknesses, both muscularly and energetically, reminding us that no day is the same, and therefore our energy reserves . What we want is the effortless flow of energy throughout the body, with perfect balance at all our energy levels, and then we can learn to direct the prana as we wish, with the breath.
The symbolism of the asanas is not limited to the visible field. They are energy forms that vibrationally reach other levels of consciousness. So the more yoga we do the more energy we send into the field that reveals the forms in their womb. But the most important thing is the focus that the practice of yoga teaches, since the body becomes aware and knows its needs or limits - it may even get to the point of doing it spontaneously and without thinking. With the innate tendency of wise maintenance of our organism, which motivates all our healthy movement, we allow a subtle thought-form to circulate in our energy system, and with exercise to be imprinted there as we move towards a spiritual rebirth. Transmutation is a virtue of maximum flexibility acquired by the practice of Hatha, but this is a chapter in itself like breathing, and only passing remarks are made here.
You will also often hear that yoga is not a physical sport. Of course not, although sport is a good thing, it exercises the person in positive thinking, at a competitive level depending on the approach. But one can come to the consciousness of using one's body as more than a means of competition, one can realize that one has the ability to compete and this is simply an aspect of nature, which prompts it to adapt its species to an ever-evolving universe . Yoga has a self-mentor approach, and that's not the only difference between it and a sport. Yoga is prevention of rejection from our energetic lineage!
Another example is that Hatha yoga has been considered physical. But as we will see below with the in-depth analysis of a classic Hatha pose, the Tree, specifically the Phoenix or Talasana in Sanskrit, a much-loved pose of the ancient yogis, and the symbolism of that particular posture, reflects the entire system of yoga. within one stop. So perfect is the system of yoga that it is practically reflected in all the elements of nature, from where, after all, all this wisdom has been taken.
The initial asanas are archetypal in symbolism, and a yogi knows the hatha postures to gain basic knowledge of the bipolarity in his body. The reason is exactly all of the above, and also that Hatha gives the mind the opportunity to come to an integration with the body, and to seek the common balance that results from this union. The result is a super combination, spiritual practice in whatever form is satisfying for everyone but focus and concentration become the foundation of a yogi's lifestyle, practicing dhyana, and all the levels in between.
We energetically establish in the material field around us the desired qualities of prana, by practicing Hatha. This does not mean that one has to learn to do all the postures that we see very advanced yogis do. This simply means that he knows how to navigate his body and by extension energetically and with the breath he can reflect this in his movements, thus enhancing his concentration. The body, a reflection of the soul in the material realm, rusts away, and the soul removes the static and superficial elements, tensions of fear that no longer belong there, and feeds the mind with new elements, as its own mentor, secreting new vital substances in the body, carrying prana. Prana detoxifies the body, is the energy that flows from the world of subtle structures, and can be very beneficial to the functions of our physical body. This is a therapeutic aspect of asana practice. They detoxify the body and mind. But again the expansion of consciousness is the one that will bring the final benefit and the results will finally be visible or felt, and that is why breathing plays an important role in our exercise.
After the execution of each asana we must leave room for the effects that the specific posture had on our body to be felt. This can be done by relaxing after each asana, or it will be done when we consciously breathe into the point we want to benefit. It is basically the reason that the asanas are done before the meditation, we take in the depth of consciousness the beneficence and with this brand new power we sit in the meditation comfortable and light. Asanas have this meaning, but they can also have a meditative form, as let's not forget the symbolic dances of women devoted to the deity that have a meditative character, and they are the postures of yoga. Asanas are best performed when the breath consciously enters the body, that is, with the breath we can relax the muscles in a pose and by lengthening the holding time gain flexibility.
In any case, breathing accompanies the experience of awareness and we breathe in the feeling it offers us, breathe out the old and unnecessary. We realize the importance of being navigators in our own world, watching the thoughts of chaos dissipate and disappear after our practice, and in their place now, inspirations of creativity and love and wholeness. They flow from within, in harmony with everything around us, and all come from unlocking our inner potential, our natural ability in this state. We can change our chemistry, we can interfere with our emotions and control thought.
But a very good example of all this is an archetypal attitude that is common in Hatha and I quote it here because it is immediately applicable by everyone and very - very beneficial on all levels. The physical part of the symbolism is the representation and likeness to the human body. The mental is the tendencies behind the functions of its symbolism. Extensions of its archetypal power and resonance are the awareness it can bring about. It can be adjusted to the desired meditation.
Talasana or Phoenix has simple steps but should not be performed by people who have acute heart diseases and generally people who have sensitivity in the upper part of the chest, or back pain. Breathing is important, focus on it and its rhythm.
Talasana
- We stand with our feet about 12 points apart. Arms at sides, spine straight with neck.
- Inhale and raise the arms during 2 seconds, the arm reaches straight above the head breathing, in 4 seconds. At the same time we stand up on our toes.
- We hold the hands above the head with the arms resting on the ears and the palms inwards, fingers open, reaching to the end of the fingers as stretched as high as possible. Hold for four seconds.
- We lower the arms back and down slowly to the side, exhaling in 2 seconds, lowering the feet at the same time, and returning to our starting position.
- We stay in the initial position with the hands at the side for 2 seconds while the breath is suppressed for 2 seconds.
We continue repeating.
This asana will make us taller even if we have passed the age limit of physical growth. By doing this asana we can overcome our greatest fears because we can grow in size so much that we have the opportunity to compare to any humble fear that we put before us. And always growing to exaggerated dimensions, we take on the appearance of a giant.
One of the transcendental powers or siddhis of yogis is that they can grow in size as much as they wish, and perhaps one of the asanas to extend this ability is the asana described here…
Its benefits are many as it is the only asana that stretches the chest so effectively and in such coordination with the breath, symbolizing the movement of tree growth, invisible to the human eye. But the symbolism of the tree and its relationship with human existence goes deep...
The most important benefit of this asana is deep breathing and it is a good training in it, benefiting the lungs by filling all the cells and is a medicine for asthmatics. The spine and neck stretch well, and also the abdominal muscles do the corresponding stretch to adapt to the opening of the body, speeding up the detoxification. Each vertebra gets enough space, as much as it deserves Neuromuscular coordination with breathing and subconscious concentration help master the senses and give self-awareness. So it is an asana that if we incorporate into our weekly yoga exercise program we will ensure that we have the greatest possible vitality and oxygenation of our body.
It is also very beneficial for blood circulation and gives vigor.
THE TREE AND THE HUMAN BODY
The tree is a powerful archetypal symbol…
The strength and foundation of the tree is in its roots, and rooted in the ground it branches outwards. In yoga, the toes represent the base of the yoga practitioner. One uses one's toes for balance when standing on one's feet. Like the roots of a tree, the ten fingers represent the 10 Yama and Niyama principles, the first two steps of the eightfold path in the yogic disciplines. In the yoga tradition, when one practices Yama and Niyama in everyday life, one never faces any problem in the foundation, which becomes so strong that nothing can make it unstable. Nothing can disturb, divert, divert, or oppose your course of progress when you follow your disciplines. This also helps to find and choose the right goal and path for your personal development.
The palm tree is a tree that has very strong roots and grows in sandy soil, usually near coasts or sandy deserts. It is very difficult to keep rooted in the sandy soil but the deeper rooted, the better the hold. In the same way, one who immerses himself completely in the exercise of Yama – Niyama is well rooted in his yogic path, and feels security, peace and the expression of that wholeness that arises when one is a navigator of one's vehicle consciously.
The phoenix can face the worst weather conditions – storms and strong winds but because of its flexibility, it survives. It bends in the direction of the wind and does not oppose it, it stands up straight as soon as the storm is over. In human life, we also have many fluctuations. If one becomes flexible it is easy to deal with situations. Once the difficult days, weather conditions are over, he can continue to live with the same strength and vigor.
This particular tree is also special, because it lives with minimal nutrients. Either in the salty sands at the seaside or in the sands of the deserts, with minimal water. It has great survivability. The best of all the characteristics of this tree is that it will absorb the necessary amount from the roots, which decide how much water it will absorb for life.
We human beings must learn from the trees and also learn to live with the bare necessities of our needs in order to live by developing the virtue of completeness – Santosha or Samtosha in Sanskrit.
Coming back to the Niyama base, we can also learn from the seed and observe in nature, that during sowing if enough care has been taken, the seed will grow properly and produce a healthy tree. The tree will also flourish. It will flower and reproduce its healthy fruit seeds as a result. This cycle will continue for a long time. In the same way, a healthy person can create a healthy production! This is possible when one fulfills one's duties and lives a disciplined life, and here we also cover the first teaching of yoga in dharma – which refers to duty through discipline, to one's superior destination.
So practicing Yama and Niyama brings discipline to life and disciplined life brings awareness of duty. Thinking, acting and final results.
THE TREE AND THE COLLECTIVE EXISTENCE
The palm tree and all its parts are very strongly interdependent on each other. All the cells, tissues and threads are so tightly connected from its roots, to its trunk and then to its leaves, nothing is separate. You literally have to cut off a leaf, or part of it, to separate it from the tree itself.
Our human body is also similar – everything is connected, bones, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, skin, etc. Practicing postures and breathing techniques, we try to learn and develop awareness to keep the body healthy, always in harmony and balance.
If there is any disproportion or problem we can detect it easily, so we deal with it and try to solve it. Consequently these constitute the next two steps of the eightfold path.
By synchronizing and coordinating physical movements, breathing with equal balance, it brings awareness and knowledge to the physical level as well as the mental level, connecting the two with archetypal symbolism.
The technique of correct breathing, which is simplified in everyday life but clarified and emphasized in the exercise in all stages is: Inhalation, retention, exhalation and inhibition, where we cover Jnana – knowledge. Because awareness is a key point to gain knowledge.
Any activity done with full and perfect awareness will surely gain some kind of knowledge, one way or another, sooner or later...and inhibition is the reflexive function that brings awareness.
The tree represents the family and the leaves represent the family members. Old leaves make room for new ones. All the leaves branch outwards in such a way that there is enough space for each leaf to grow. They fall to help keep the tree balanced and whole as one, without any independent units. Likewise, in a family situation, a newborn baby gets priority for protection, love and attention until it grows up.
One thing must be mentioned… that the human baby is the most dependent creature of all nature's creatures! The babies of insects, birds or other animals are independent in a few weeks or months, in other species it is a matter of days. It takes a few years for the human baby to become independent! To become an adult member of the family, he must perform his role and duties as an individual as well as a member of the family, without disturbing family peace, harmony and unity. This is the deep message of performance of duties and disciplined life.
If you practice these two, the positive results are bound to come…
The position betrays the various variations that represent the course of the leaves of the tree. The bundle of leaves represents the family members as a unit of society. It is arranged in such a way that there is an overall and complete balance to the tree as a single and powerful unit. This is how it happens in a balanced and complete family.
The way any healthy seed produces a healthy tree, likewise a healthy person produces a healthy family and healthy generations to come.
Standing only on the toes and balancing, we practice concentration. One can only concentrate when the senses are controlled. A small disturbance can lead to disproportion. You disconnect from the environment in order to concentrate. This detachment is a step further towards Pratyahara, on the eightfold path. When you hold and set this concentration for a prolonged period it leads to the further Dharana step, the 6th step of the eightfold path. When Pratyahara and Dharana are practiced thoroughly, it leads to Vairagya – detachment. When a conscious effort at detachment is mastered, then nothing on Earth can shake the yogi. If mastery is cultivated on the physical level then it is easy to transfer to the mental level. When the body is under total control, the mind follows.
The leaf that grows first also dies first. A very true and harsh reality. The leaf dies but the tree remains intact. In human society, the old and mature person first makes a march for the new member before coming. He watches over and helps the new member grow and progress and when the time comes, he dies. Although the person dies, he cannot be separated from the family because the family still exists regardless of whether the main trunk branches out into a larger family.
When the fact is accepted, that one who is born must die, all fear disappears! Especially the fear of death, which is common to all other living creatures. From the ant to the elephant, from an ancestor to the modern world, from the most ignorant, to the knowledgeable. One who is born first, also dies first. If and when a person accepts this law of nature, he is part of the happiest family. Absorbed, he easily enters into any activity of Dhyana – contemplation. This state is known as Aishvarya the state of self-realization.
The four aspects of yoga, Dharma, Jnana, Vairagya and Aishvarya delineate an easy path where there is no limit to samadhi or progress for any beginner or non-beginner.
Yoga training takes place much more on a subconscious level. That is why Hatha has been named path for the etheric body. The learning experience becomes a way of life. It becomes a part of everyday living. Consequently the whole process transforms the practitioner and gives him a more refined experience and consciousness.
The family and the collective represented by the age-old tree is the strength of the collective of humanity. The Mayans say that the carbon dioxide we exhale is what the tree will inhale to produce the oxygen, which we will inhale to produce the carbon dioxide. This is why people are karmically connected to trees.
The most well-known modern diseases due to faulty lifestyles are the result of our removal from nature. Because of modern technology everything moves very fast. Untimely deaths due to stress and tension are a sign that man is not living to the maximum of his potential, and the knowledge of such is perfectly reflected in a tree for anyone who knows how to decipher nature's wisdom.
Soar to your highest goals, to your highest potential this year, with the wisdom and power of nature. The closer you are to nature, the healthier and happier you will be.
by Lena Adamopoulou
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