There are numerous other paths of yoga, including two of the more common paths known as Mantra Yoga and Hatha Yoga, which we explored in depth in the previous chapter.Dwi Pada Pitham or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana As you can perhaps guess, Hatha Yoga is probably the most widely-practiced path in the West, as it is the type of yoga that incorporates the physical postures asanas.Dwi Pada Pitham or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana The Hatha vogi also uses pranayama relaxation, which will be further explored, as well as yamas, niyamas, mudras, and bandhas to gain control of the physical body and the subtle life-force energy prana. Hatha Yoga understands that when body and pranic energy are under control, meditation comes easily and awakening ensues.
Because Hatha Yoga is the physical practice that most of us are familiar with when we talk about yoga poses we are talking about Hatha Yoga, and since it is that path that we may first choose to explore at our nearest yoga center, I have focused much of the information in this book on the various practices within and applications of this most accessible yogic path. Most of all, remember that no matter what path you choose, yoga is about you and about being alive. It is a journey about discovering who you are and learning to listen to what your body is telling you. Parivrtta Parsvakonasana revolved side angle pose Like utthita parsvakonasana, this asana is a lateral angle posture.
