Hathayoga in devanagari हठयोग is one of the most known traditions of Indian yoga in the West. It is based mainly on the body postures known as asana, six purifying processes – kriyas and on breathing control (pranayama). The most popular and authoritative text of this school is the Hatha-yoga-pradipika. Magical and mystical contepts contained within the texts of hathayoga make it one of the main components and sources of Tantrism. In the East it is believed that Hatha Yoga is inseparable from Tantra and the excercises of Hatha Yoga should not be practiced without Tantric mysticism. Word Hatha means power. Ther proper development of Hatha Yoga was on the basis of Hindu kanphata communities and nathas lineage i.e. natha sampradaya. Hatha Yoga puts special emphasis on magical powers (siddhi) obtained through the mistical-ascetic practices. Basic text of Hatha Yoga is Hathapradipika written by Swatmarama in 16th century. Other important scriptures are Gheranda Sanhita, Śiva Sanhita, Goraksha Śataka and Siddhasiddhantha Paddhati. Hathayoga is active in todays India, including Himalaya region. Most of the active instructors of Hatha Yoga in Poland are disciples of Swami Lalitamohan Babaji, students of Tantric Himavanti Brotherhood.
