What is commonly called yoga in the West is technically Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga (ha=”sun” tha=”moon”) attains the union of mind-body-spirit through a practice of asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (yoga breathing), mudra (body gestures), bandha (energy locks or seals) and shatkarma (internal cleansing). These body-centered practices are used to strengthen and purify the physical body, and cultivate prana (life-force energy) and activate kundalini (dormant spiritual energy). Modern Hatha Yoga does not emphasize most of these esoteric methods and instead focuses primarily on the physical yoga practices.

What is Hatha Yoga?

The Sanskrit word “hatha” can be translated in English two different ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” as the active path of yoga—or as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), as the yoga of balance. Taken together, hatha yoga can be described as a set of willful and active practices that aim to achieve harmony and balance in the mind, body, and spirit. This approach to yoga is often called “the forceful path” and includes the practice of physical postures and breathing techniques.

Hatha yoga is the generic type of yoga classes taught in the West. Most of the popular types of yoga taught in yoga studios are derived from this style. It is often used to describe a more gentle or beginner friendly style.

History of Hatha Yoga

In the history of yoga, hatha yoga is a fairly recent technique that was developed from theories and techniques of Tantra Yoga. The tantrics embraced the physical body as the means to achieve enlightenment and developed the physical-spiritual connections and body-centered practices that lead to Hatha Yoga. But Hatha Yoga is uniquely focused on transforming the physical body through purification and the cultivation of the subtle energies of the body. The ultimate goal of this

type of yoga is to direct the vital energy into the central channel and draw it up towards the crown chakra. Most modern classes do not teach the esoteric exercises of breath retention, bandhas and mudras that would channel and raise one’s energy levels high enough to attain enlightenment. And all of the techniques of this form of yoga are seen as preliminary steps to achieving the deeper states of meditation and enlightenment found in the path of raja yoga.

The oldest and most widely used ancient text on the physical practices of Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This book was composed in 15th century CE by Swami Swatamarama and is derived from older Sanskrit texts, the teachings from well-known teachers, and from Swatamarama’s own yogic experiences. The main goal of this text is to illuminate the physical disciplines and practices of Hatha Yoga and integrate these with the higher spiritual goals of Raja Yoga.

Swatamarama begins with explaining the relationship between the two, informing us that Hatha is a preliminary practice for Raja Yoga. He tells us that obtaining self-control and self-discipline is much easier when we start with the physical and energetic body, versus trying to directly control the mind as in Raja Yoga. Through the mastery of the prana, or energy of the body, we can then easily master the control of the mind and obtain success with Raja Yoga.

Other Classical Hatha Yoga texts

Several other important texts emerged after the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These Sanskrit texts reaffirmed, refined and added to the practices and theories of Hatha Yoga. Only two of these classical treatises have survived and are available to be read today.

Traditional Hatha Yoga poses

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes fifteen physical poses. Some of the names of these postures have changed over time and the instructions and alignment details have also shifted in modern yoga. It is interesting that many of these classical asanas are seated meditation poses and several are very advanced and challenging poses.

Modern popularity of Hatha Yoga

It was not until the 1920s when Hatha Yoga became popularized and promoted in India with the work of T. Krishnamacharya and a few other brave and determined yogis. Krishnamacharya traveled through India giving demonstrations of poses and with other pioneering yogis promoted hatha yoga through its strong healing and other positive benefits. Since then, many more western and Indian teachers have become pioneers, popularizing this branch of yoga and gaining millions of followers. Hatha Yoga now has many different schools or styles, all emphasizing the many different aspects of the practice.

What is a Hatha Yoga class like?

Hatha and Hatha Yoga are used in modern times as a broad and generic term for yoga which does not have a specific style attached to it. A typical class will be relatively gentle, slow and good for beginners, but it is difficult to know what a specific class will be like before attending. This practice typically starts with some gentle warm-ups, continues to a sequence of poses, and end with 5-10 minutes of relaxation in corpse pose. A class will often begin and end with a short seated meditation. The class often concludes with students bringing their hands together in  prayer position while bowing and saying Namaste. Hatha classes are usually 60 to 90 minutes long and may also include pranayama breathing exercises as a separate practice or integrated with the yoga postures.

What is Hatha Yoga good for?

Hatha Yoga is usually taught as a householder path with a focus on the physical attainment of the poses. Hatha practices are designed to align, cleanse and calm your body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve deeper states of meditation and spiritual realization. A regular practice can improve strength, stamina, flexibility, range of motion, and balance; reduce stress; promote mental calm; and provide many other therapeutic benefits as well. The many different styles or schools of Hatha Yoga have more specific benefits. For example, if you wish to build strength and cardiovascular health, try a more vigorous style of yoga like vinyasa yoga, ashtanga or power yoga.

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Did you know that your date of birth reveals a lot about who you are and what your life’s purpose might be? According to numerology, each person has a life path number that reflects their talents, strengths, and challenges. Here are three things you should know about life path numbers:

What Is A Life Path Number?

Your life path number is what you deserve or are destined to achieve in this lifetime. It can be seen as the sum of all your past lives, karma, and experiences that have led you up until now. When someone asks for your “life path number,” they want to know about who you were before coming into this world so they can understand more about what drives and motivates you. There are twelve different numbers out there, each with specific traits that make them unique.

The Life Path Number will tell you something about your personality type, but it also speaks volumes about certain future events during our time here on Earth. One cannot deny the accuracy of numerology because it has been around for thousands of years and has been used by some of the most successful people in the world.

How To Find Your Life Path Number

There are a few different ways to find out your Life Path Number. One of the most popular methods is to use a free online calculator. You can learn more from Matt Beech on how to use it. You need to input your date of birth, and then the calculator will give you your number.

Another way of finding out your number is by using a numerology chart. This method involves calculating all of the numbers in your name and then adding them until you reach a single digit. For example, if someone’s name were John Paul, they would add together:

John (value=one) +Paul (value=two) = three

The sum of three would be reduced to one because life path numbers are only assigned from one to nine. So, someone’s life path number would be one.

Numerology charts can also help you discover your Life Path Number if you don’t know the exact date of birth for yourself or someone else. This is because they often include numbers that are sometimes associated with letters in names, such as four (D), six (J), and nine(I).

Another way to find out your Life Path Number is by using numerology software. These programs will allow you to type in all of the letters that make up a name, meaning it doesn’t matter what order the words appear. The program then gives you an accurate result based on your inputted information so that anyone can learn more about themselves without having to purchase expensive books or consult personal advisors.

It Tells You A Lot About Your Personality 

Your number describes certain things about your personality and helps you discover deep insight into who you are as a person. It is fun to learn all the different characteristics of our personalities, which can help us grow positively.

It’s also essential you understand what traits others see when they look at you, for this makes it easier to know how someone might perceive you or react towards something you have said or done. For example, if the life path number reveals that you’re going through some heavy karma from past lives, such as drug addiction, those around you will be more understanding because they may not want to associate with people like yourself.

Understanding yourselves and knowing who you are is essential, so you don’t lose sight of what matters most in your journey through life.

Understand Your Strengths And Weaknesses

As mentioned, your Life Path Number can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. However, it’s essential to know that these are just generalizations, and not everyone with a specific number will have the same characteristics.

For example, those with the Life Path Number of two often have excellent communication skills, but they can also be indecisive at times. They may struggle with making decisions independently but usually excel when working in teams. On the other hand, someone with the Life Path Number of eight may be great at taking risks, but they can also be very impatient. This person is likely to achieve a lot financially, but they may not always be as successful in relationships.

In summary, knowing your life path number can give you a head start in certain areas of your life. It can help you understand yourself better and show you which areas you may need to work on more. However, keep in mind your number is just a guide. You are in control of your destiny.

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I’ve lived by the, “Save early, spend later,” motto, influenced greatly by my pragmatic mom, since I first began earning money at a young age. I started with odd jobs like babysitting and refereeing hockey games, moved up to working at fast food restaurants, and, eventually, started my own cleaning and car-washing businesses.

At each step, I learned about delayed gratification: I could either spend my money on video games, sports equipment, and other material things, or I could invest it in my future. Fortunately, I chose the latter. 

In my early teens, I took all of the money I’d earned and put it towards a down payment for a condo. That choice and others taught me about saving and managing my money. They’re key lessons that everyone can use to achieve long-term financial security, and the good news is that it’s never too late to learn them. 

Making My First Investment

When I was fourteen years old, my hometown of Vancouver was in the early innings of a condo boom. My mom had picked up some part-time work with a good friend of hers who was a realtor.  One day, she asked me to go with her to look at a property under development. 

When she and I walked into the less than five-hundred-square foot show suite of the apartment, I knew in my gut that I would buy it. The deal was to put 10 percent down against the $150,000 purchase price upon signing and then pay 5 percent per year until completion, which was scheduled for three years out. 

 The purchase was a no-brainer for me. Although fourteen may sound young to buy real estate, by that time I had saved enough for the down payment, and I liked that it would be a forced savings plan over the next few years. Then, I thought, by the time I reached my late teens or early twenties, I’d have a place to live in or rent out for passive income. 

Buying the condo was my first real investment, and it was also the first step I’d take toward good long-term financial habits. Delaying gratification wasn’t a choice most fourteen year olds would make, but it’s one that, by its definition, paid off later. It’s also something that anyone at any age can practice to get more out of their money. 

“The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success.” – Brian Tracy

Learning the Language of Money

Hearing my condo story, you might be wondering whether I made all the right decisions. The answer is “absolutely not.” Do I make all the right decisions today? Of course not. But making financial choices, whether they turn out to be right or wrong, lets you learn. 

Like it or not, money is another language. It takes time to learn the language and then it takes a lifetime to be fluent. When I hear some people say, when asked who manages their money, “I’m not good at it,” or “Someone else deals with that for me,” I speak up. I’m passionate about how pivotal learning the language of money is to one’s financial foundation. This specified literacy undoubtedly contributes overall to your life’s health and stability.

For example, I’ve never had credit card debt in my life; the debt I had—the mortgage for the condo—was on a hard asset. Just looking at the different interest rates convinced me to never take on credit card debt; while a mortgage could be 2 to 3 percent interest, a credit card is often close to 20 percent on the debt. Six or seven years later when I sold the condo, not only had I built equity in the property, it had more than doubled in value. 

Part of becoming fluent in the language of money is learning the difference between good debt (delayed gratification debt that will benefit you in the future) versus bad debt (money down the drain forever). If you can tell the difference, you can avoid many of the common money problems people face. 

Create Your Own Good Fortune

When I bought my condo, I admit I had some good luck with my timing as well as support from my mom. She committed to “matching” my contribution to the down payment and annual payments while I would be solely responsible for the mortgage payments. But I was in the game and willing to write the check into a long-term investment.

At that age, I could have gotten distracted by something shinier like a new car, but I put it all on the line for something I had a feeling would appreciate with time instead. The good news is that you don’t need luck or generous parents to start creating your own fortune. You can begin right now by delaying gratification, avoiding bad debt, and making financial choices that will serve you well in the future. You have all the opportunity in the world to build a life like mine; I just started a little earlier than most.

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What is commonly called yoga in the West is technically Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga (ha=”sun” tha=”moon”) attains the union of mind-body-spirit through a practice of asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (yoga breathing), mudra (body gestures), bandha (energy locks or seals) and shatkarma (internal cleansing). These body-centered practices are used to strengthen and purify the physical body, and cultivate prana (life-force energy) and activate kundalini (dormant spiritual energy). Modern Hatha Yoga does not emphasize most of these esoteric methods and instead focuses primarily on the physical yoga practices.

What is Hatha Yoga?

The Sanskrit word “hatha” can be translated in English two different ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” as the active path of yoga—or as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), as the yoga of balance. Taken together, hatha yoga can be described as a set of willful and active practices that aim to achieve harmony and balance in the mind, body, and spirit. This approach to yoga is often called “the forceful path” and includes the practice of physical postures and breathing techniques.

Hatha yoga is the generic type of yoga classes taught in the West. Most of the popular types of yoga taught in yoga studios are derived from this style. It is often used to describe a more gentle or beginner friendly style.

History of Hatha Yoga

In the history of yoga, hatha yoga is a fairly recent technique that was developed from theories and techniques of Tantra Yoga. The tantrics embraced the physical body as the means to achieve enlightenment and developed the physical-spiritual connections and body-centered practices that lead to Hatha Yoga. But Hatha Yoga is uniquely focused on transforming the physical body through purification and the cultivation of the subtle energies of the body. The ultimate goal of this

type of yoga is to direct the vital energy into the central channel and draw it up towards the crown chakra. Most modern classes do not teach the esoteric exercises of breath retention, bandhas and mudras that would channel and raise one’s energy levels high enough to attain enlightenment. And all of the techniques of this form of yoga are seen as preliminary steps to achieving the deeper states of meditation and enlightenment found in the path of raja yoga.

The oldest and most widely used ancient text on the physical practices of Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This book was composed in 15th century CE by Swami Swatamarama and is derived from older Sanskrit texts, the teachings from well-known teachers, and from Swatamarama’s own yogic experiences. The main goal of this text is to illuminate the physical disciplines and practices of Hatha Yoga and integrate these with the higher spiritual goals of Raja Yoga.

Swatamarama begins with explaining the relationship between the two, informing us that Hatha is a preliminary practice for Raja Yoga. He tells us that obtaining self-control and self-discipline is much easier when we start with the physical and energetic body, versus trying to directly control the mind as in Raja Yoga. Through the mastery of the prana, or energy of the body, we can then easily master the control of the mind and obtain success with Raja Yoga.

Other Classical Hatha Yoga texts

Several other important texts emerged after the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These Sanskrit texts reaffirmed, refined and added to the practices and theories of Hatha Yoga. Only two of these classical treatises have survived and are available to be read today.

Traditional Hatha Yoga poses

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes fifteen physical poses. Some of the names of these postures have changed over time and the instructions and alignment details have also shifted in modern yoga. It is interesting that many of these classical asanas are seated meditation poses and several are very advanced and challenging poses.

Modern popularity of Hatha Yoga

It was not until the 1920s when Hatha Yoga became popularized and promoted in India with the work of T. Krishnamacharya and a few other brave and determined yogis. Krishnamacharya traveled through India giving demonstrations of poses and with other pioneering yogis promoted hatha yoga through its strong healing and other positive benefits. Since then, many more western and Indian teachers have become pioneers, popularizing this branch of yoga and gaining millions of followers. Hatha Yoga now has many different schools or styles, all emphasizing the many different aspects of the practice.

What is a Hatha Yoga class like?

Hatha and Hatha Yoga are used in modern times as a broad and generic term for yoga which does not have a specific style attached to it. A typical class will be relatively gentle, slow and good for beginners, but it is difficult to know what a specific class will be like before attending. This practice typically starts with some gentle warm-ups, continues to a sequence of poses, and end with 5-10 minutes of relaxation in corpse pose. A class will often begin and end with a short seated meditation. The class often concludes with students bringing their hands together in prayer position while bowing and saying Namaste. Hatha classes are usually 60 to 90 minutes long and may also include pranayama breathing exercises as a separate practice or integrated with the yoga postures.

What is Hatha Yoga good for?

Hatha Yoga is usually taught as a householder path with a focus on the physical attainment of the poses. Hatha practices are designed to align, cleanse and calm your body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve deeper states of meditation and spiritual realization. A regular practice can improve strength, stamina, flexibility, range of motion, and balance; reduce stress; promote mental calm; and provide many other therapeutic benefits as well. The many different styles or schools of Hatha Yoga have more specific benefits. For example, if you wish to build strength and cardiovascular health, try a more vigorous style of yoga like vinyasa yoga, ashtanga or power yoga.

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The yogic concept of Karma has become commonplace all around the globe. Most likely because the law of karma is simple and understandable–you reap what you sow. Karma yoga is one of the four main branches of yoga that uses the intent of one’s action to control the chain reaction of cause and effect. It is an ancient practice that uses the law of karma to make you a better person and to make the entire world a happier and kinder place. Karma yoga is best suited for persons who are naturally generous and kind, but anyone can easily start this practice. It can provide many of the same benefits as the other yoga practices without as much of the physical or mental challenges.

What is Karma Yoga?

Karma yoga is often defined as “the yoga of action” or “the path of selfless service.” The Sanskrit word “Karma” is derived from the root word “Kru,” which translates as “work, deed or action.” Yoga is a set of practices to unite the body, mind, and heart into a state of oneness. Karma yoga is a disciplined and conscious path to attaining this unitive state through unselfish, kind, and generous actions. This yoga of action involves renouncing the future fruits of our efforts as a spiritual offering rather than letting the ego to become attached to the results of our actions.

What is Karma Yoga’s Purpose?

Karma yoga’s primary goal is to attain moksha (enlightenment) through one’s actions and work in the world. One does not need to wish for wisdom in order to practice this yoga. This yoga is a way to help others while lessening our own suffering and our egoistic tendencies. When practicing Karma Yoga, one’s actions are viewed as a form of prayer or worship to deepen one’s spiritual connection to the Divine or to the oneness of all life.

Benefits of Karma Yoga

Karma yoga is said to purify the mind and cleanse the heart. It promotes positive feelings like humility, kindness, compassion, honor, gratefulness, generosity, love, and joy. Karma yoga reduces and removes negative emotions like envy, hatred, fear, greed, selfishness, and jealousy. As Swami Vivekananda writes, “Every act of love brings happiness; there is no act of love which does not bring peace and blessedness as its reaction.” Karma yoga also has the power to transform your ordinary everyday actions into mighty acts of spiritual connection and mindfulness. It is also a great way to create and build a strong community of similar-minded folks around you.

History of Karma Yoga

The foundations of Karma yoga were laid in one of the first Upanishadic scriptures, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which was composed around 500 BCE. The yoga of action was further explained in the epic text, the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna explains the practice of Karma yoga and links it to one’s fulfillment of Dharma or personal duty. He associates this yoga as a form of worship when one’s actions are selfless, given to the right causes or like-minded others, and with a positive feeling and attitude.

How to Practice Karma Yoga

You often hear yoga teachers talk about taking “yoga off the mat” and into the world. Karma yoga is one of the easiest and simplest ways to practice yoga outside of the yoga studio. Ideally, any type of yoga practice will have the best success through constant and dedicated effort, but any effort that you can put towards this will move you towards attaining more unity and peace in your life. Karma yoga can be fun and easy, but if you are not a naturally humble, kind, and generous person, you will find it challenging. Notice where the practice feels challenging and difficult for you, as this is where you should focus your work.

You can approach the practice of Karma yoga in many ways. Big or small acts of kindness and generosity can be woven through our everyday work and actions. The size and frequency of your actions do not matter as much as having pure motives to help others with no expectation of receiving any benefits for yourself.

How to start

The best way to start is to look at ways to be kind and generous to yourself and your loved ones. Pay attention to your attitude towards chores and work duties. Try to approach all of these actions with a positive attitude. Realign your goals to be less focused on your ego and more centered on benefiting others around you. As you get comfortable with the practice, expand this circle outwards to include more people and organizations. Look for opportunities to volunteer or help out non-profits and charities. If you practice hatha yoga, your local studio may have Karma yoga classes and events you can participate in.

Reflection questions

It will be necessary to check-in and reflect on your intentions and attitude throughout your practice. Asking yourself, “What is in this for me?” will help root out any egotistical motives. Here is a list of other questions to help guide and refine your karma yoga practice:

• How can I share my gifts and talents with others?
• What would be most helpful to this person or organization?
• What is most needed right now?
• Who has the greatest need for help?
• Are there any underserved places in my community that could use more help?
• When do I have the most free time or feel the most ease to help others?
• Who or what do I feel the most compassion towards?
• What are my motivations and intentions in giving this help?
• What actions will best serve all people everywhere?
• Are my actions respectful and considerate to others?
• Are my actions kind, loving, and generous?
• How does my heart feel when I do this work?

Karma yoga is a powerful way to broaden your spiritual pathway. Rather than boxing yourself in with want, desire, and need, you can instead create freedom, ease, and joy through selfless action. If we focus on being genuinely good to all that is around us and consider how our actions affect each other, we will slowly make our way to being a better person and move closer towards enlightenment.

If you have given Karma yoga a shot, let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We would love to hear how you are spreading your love and kindness out into the world!

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