In its truest essence, Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga that prepares the body (Ghata) at a physical level. According to Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, a text associated with Gorakh Nath Muni, Hatha Yoga is defined as:
हकार: कीर्तित: सूर्यष्ठकारश्चंद्र उच्यते।
सूर्य चन्द्रमसोर्योगाध्हठयोगों निगद्यते ।।1.69 ।।
Translation:
“Hakarah Kirtitah Suryashtakarashchandra Uchyate
Surya Chandramasoryogadh Hatha Yogom Nigadyate.”
The syllable “Ha” refers to the sun (Surya), and “Tha” refers to the moon (Chandra). Thus, “Hatha” means bringing a balance between the solar and lunar energies within the individual. This balance is fundamental to the practice of Hatha Yoga, aiming to harmonize and unite the opposing forces of these energies for spiritual development and overall well-being.
Matsyendranatha is considered one of the first Hatha yogis. According to legends, Matsyendranatha was born under an inauspicious star and was thrown into the ocean. There, he was swallowed by a fish and lived for many years. The fish swam to the bottom of the ocean, where Shiva was sharing the secrets of yoga with Parvathi. Matsyendranatha overheard the teachings of Shiva and began practicing yoga inside the fish. After twelve years of practice, he emerged as an enlightened Siddha. The name “Matsyendranatha” means “lord of the fishes.”
Later, Matsyendranatha taught Hatha yoga to his disciples. He lived around the 10th-11th century CE. One of his most prominent disciples was Gorakshanatha, who further developed and systematized Hatha yoga. Matsyendranatha and Gorakshanatha are considered the founders of Hatha yoga and authors of some of the earliest texts on this subject.
Classical Hatha Yoga is described primarily in texts:
- Amrutasiddhi – Written by Madhavacandra in 11th century CE.
- Dattatreya Yoga Shastra – Written by Sage Dattatreya in the 13th century CE.
- Goraksha Shataka – Significant 13th-century text written by Gorakh Nath.
- Hatha Ratnavali – 17th-century book written by Srinivasa.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika – Written by Yogi Svātmārāma in the 15th century CE.
- Shiva Samhita – Author unknown, written around 1500 CE or late 17th century.
- Gheranda Samhita – Written by Yogi Gheranda, late 17th century.
These texts are fundamental to understanding the principles and practices of Classical Hatha Yoga as established by Matsyendranatha and Gorakshanatha.