Hatha Yoga and Its Origins

In Hatha Yoga, Swatmarama introduces his system as preparatory stage for physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation or Yoga. It is based on asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). As a part of Hindu origin, tradition believes that Shiva Himself is the founder of hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga was passed down in disciplic succession. In the 20th century, hatha yoga, particularly asanas (the physical postures), became popular throughout the world as physical exercises, and is now colloquially termed "yoga."