Renaissance

Gorakshanath & The Nath Sect
950-1050 CE

Hindu tradition associates the creation of Hatha Yoga with Goraksha Natha (Gorakshanath) and his teacher Matsyendra Natha, both of whom were born in Bengal. Matsyendra was the chief proponent of what is called Nathism. The term natha means "lord" or "master" and refers to a yogic adept who joins liberation (mukti) with paranormal powers (siddhis). In this tradition, Shiva is incarnated as Adinatha or the primordial lord. Nathas are thought of as immortal beings who roam the Himalayan region. Nathism is considered one of the strands of the tapestry of contemporary Tantrism.

Though the invention of Hatha Yoga is often attributed to Goraksha, many of the tenets and practices were in existence before his time. Goraksha is said to have founded the "split-ear" (Kanphata) order which gets its name from the split earlobes into which large rings are inserted. Facilitating the acquistion of certain magical powers, an important current (nadi) of life force energy is affected.

Goraksha Paddhati – The Track/Path of Goraksha

This text consists of 200 stanzas and outlines the Hatha Yoga path. Goraksha is credited with a number of other texts…

• Goraksha Shataka – Goraksha’s Century of Stanzas
• Goraksha Samhita – Goraksha’s Collection
• Hatha Dipika – The Lamp of Hatha
• Jnana Amrita – The Nectar of Wisdom
• Amanaska Yoga – The Transmental Yoga
• Amaraugha Prabodha – Understanding the Immortal Flood
• Yoga Martanda – The SUn of Yoga
• Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati – The Track/Path of the Doctrine of the Adepts

Hatha Yoga Pradipika
by Swami Swatmarama Yogendra
1350 CE

Gheranda Samhita – The Collection of Gheranda
1699 CE

This text includes 7 chapters with over 300 verses and describes more than 100 yogic practices, including kriyas, asanas, and mudras.

Shiva Samhita – The Collection of Shiva
1600-1700 CE

This text includes 5 chapters with over 600 verses and expounds on philosophical matters.