Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c17.145

c17.145

The Yoga of the Kānphaṭas is called Haṭha. An interesting derivation for the word is given in the commentary to verse one of the *Gorakṣa Paddhati*, where it is stated that *ha* means the sun (*sūrya*) and *ṭha* the moon (*candarama*); and that their union is called Yoga. This symbolism is significant as will appear in later chapters. The word signifies, however, hard, or extreme, or strenuous discipline and the doctrines lay particular stress upon āsana, mudrā, prāṇāyāma, dhāutī, cakra, nāḍi and kuṇḍalinī,¹ and most of these receive a great deal of attention in Tāntric works. Laya Yoga is sometimes identified with *Kuṇḍalinī* Yoga. Again, two main lines of Yoga are set forth; Dhyāna, looking to ecstasy by mental processes (Rāja-Yoga); and Kuṇḍalinī Yoga, which requires the help of mantra. And it is pointed out that Kuṇḍalinī is that part of Haṭha-Yoga in which, though the intellectual is not neglected, the creative sustaining śakti of the whole body is actually and truly united with the Lord-consciousness.² As implied above, Yoga is one, but many diverse emphases are specialized in its practice.