Examination of the handful of source texts for haṭha yoga reveals that there are a few primary practices and techniques, from which all modern yoga has evolved. Remember that haṭha refers to a way of yoga that brings the opposites together - ha meaning Sun, and tha meaning Moon. All yoga is referring to union in one way or another. What and how is this union occurring? Perhaps the so-called solar energy, or the HA, is the active aspect of our being, derived from our nervous system's capabilities. The directive, linear, penetrating, masculine quality. Corresponding to our left brain hemisphere and associated with a sympathetic state of being. That would mean the opposite, lunar energy, the THA, is the passive portion of us. The open, nurturing, receptive, feminine quality. Coming from our right brain hemisphere and associate with a parasympathetic state. When we know that our entire being is comprised of opposite forces coming together (we were all born from a penetrating sperm and a receptive egg), these might be logical observations to make. Of course we are divided into two opposing forces, and both principles must support and complement each other. Thus, a very important next question might be is: what happens when we balance the two?
The teachings propagated from the original material on haṭha yoga are rooted in the basic neurobiological functioning of the human nervous system. They worked thousands of years ago and they still work the same today. We just have to do them. The science today is doing wonders at examining how it all works, but either way, it is only through our sincere efforts that any of this wisdom is revealed in the first place. We must go looking, and then we must act based on what we find. This is a key principle to success in any endeavor.
As you have arrived to this point, our wish is to provide you with the most distilled and relevant material from our collective, ancient wisdom, and bring it into a modern context. The human species is evolving, and each individual is evolving with it. There are some who are more devoted to uncovering the inner secrets, and there are some who might not be as sincere. This is of no concern for anyone. All we must do is apply these teachings diligently to our lives and we will see the fabulous result of a transforming our nervous system into one that is more sensitive to life (tha) while also becoming more resilient to the natural stressors (ha) that are present in daily living.
You will find as we grow our community that there are others, like you, who are interested in performing this work. This is good news. You will also find that there are those who are cautious, or perhaps even challenge you as you proceed in your pursuits. This is fine too. We must always use our own discernment and caution when determining which path to proceed down. Logic and reason will prevail. Yoga is indeed a science, as it has to do with a methodology and an experiment. We practice using our own bodies and minds to transform every aspect of our lives. The methodology, recipe and ingredients originate deep within every human being. Every body 'knows yoga'. It is within us, and as we engage with these practices we start to understand more about the inner engineering that is taking place. The path reveals itself to those who are dedicated to know the truth, as the truth lies at the heart of all beings, just waiting for the proper knock from a curious soul.
Please stay tuned for the next part in this series, as we begin to discuss the core teachings of BTGY.
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