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@article{177287,
        author = {Mr. Parkash},
        title = {A Comparative Study of Yogic Practices in Classical Hatha Yoga Texts},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {1485-1490},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=177287},
        abstract = {Hatha Yoga, often referred to as “Forceful Yoga,” represents a path of yogic practice aimed at transcending egoic consciousness and attaining realization of the Self or Divine Reality. Although Hatha Yoga incorporates profound psycho-spiritual technology, its principal focus lies in enhancing the body's capabilities, enabling it to endure the transformative power of transcendental experience. Mystical states of consciousness exert significant influence on the nervous system and the body; however, the experience of ecstatic union is ultimately realized in the embodied state. This essential understanding inspired the evolution of Hatha Yoga. Founders such as Matsyendranath and his disciples emphasized the necessity to "forge" or "temper" the body, a concept frequently referenced in classical texts.
This paper seeks to outline the techniques and methods described in key Classical Hatha Yoga texts, namely the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, GherandaSamhita, and Siva Samhita. The core components of Hatha Yoga—including Shatkarmas, Asanas, Pranayama, Bandhas, Mudras, Pratyahara, Dhyana, and Samadhi—are elaborated upon in these texts, each following its author's distinctive style, sequence, and methods. The paper provides readers with an overview of various Hatha Yoga practices, their Sanskrit nomenclature, and their organization according to the classical literature. Additional aspects integral to Hatha Yoga, such as Mitahara (moderate diet) and obstacles to practice, are also explored, offering a presentation likely to engage contemporary yoga practitioners and students.},
        keywords = {Hatha Yoga, Shatkarmas, Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras, Pratyahara, Dhyana, Samadhi, Mitahara, Guru},
        month = {May},
        }