Yoga teaches that it is essential never to overdo, never to strain and tire. Yoga instruction will always advise too little rather than too much -- it is considered best to make haste slowly. The new student is invariably cautioned to proceed very gradually, for it is neither necessary nor desirable to establish records. He is also taught to rest between asanas, or positions, and never to attempt anything beyond his capacities at the time.

Rhythmic deep breathing is an essential part of all exercises. Much more emphasis is put on breathing than is true of any of the Western schools of physical culture, since the Yogis understand that for purely physiological reasons deep breathing is a sure way to calm the nerves, and this in turn reduces tensions and improves concentration. One might say that the overall reason for combining deep breathing with asanas and mudras is that the Yogi, while purifying and disciplining his body, aims to bring his mind, too, under similar control.

Many Western students are content with the sheer physical well-being they are able to achieve, with no concern at all for the second aim, which is for mental and spiritual discipline. And indeed for many this may be all that is required. If you happen to be among those who have neither the time nor the temperament for further exploration, there is no reason to feel disturbed. Certainly under no circumstances is it necessary to adopt the everything-or-nothing attitude -- no need to assume that unless you are willing to go further, the game isn't worth the candle.

As a matter of fact it would be extremely difficult, we should say impossible, to progress into the higher spiritual spheres of Yoga without the constant guidance of a Guru. In certain cases it would even be dangerous to try to go forward alone, and of this the Eastern student too is invariably warned. For the ultimate abstract psychic states reached in Yoga meditations are said to release forces as yet unknown to us, such as the Serpent Power or Kundalini.

This power, released only when the subject is in a deep, trance-like state, is variously described as a vast sex power, as the source of creativity, even as the source of healing. Clearly it is no more a plaything for the neophyte or amateur than, for instance, hypnosis. Fortunately, the sensible adult will not be tempted to play such dangerous games. Our sole reason for mentioning these aspects of Yoga at this stage is to give the student some idea of the scope which even its most primary philosophies encompass.

Hatha Yoga, a particular school of Yoga instruction, in common with other Yoga schools, teaches certain rules of conduct, or yamas. There are ten of these: Ahisma or harmlessness, Satya or truthfulness, Asteya or non-stealing, Bramacharya or continence, Kshama or forbearance, Dhriti or fortitude, Daya or mercy, Aarjvna or straightforwardness, Mithra or moderation in diet, and Sucht or purity. There are also ten restrictions: Tepas, which means austerity, Santosah, cheerful bearing, Shraddha, faith, Dana, charitable disposition, Satsanga, good company, Lajja, modesty, Mati, sound mind, Japa, repetition of a divine name, lshwarachana, worship of God, and Vrata, observance of vows.

From this it becomes self-evident that Hatha Yoga demands high personal standards. Overeating, unnecessary talk, impure associations, greed and delight alike must be eliminated. All this, obviously, is a good deal more austerity than we Occidentals are generally ready to accept. Fortunately there is no need for extremes. This, like any other aspect of Yoga, for our immediate and practical use translates simply into an attitude of reasonable moderation.

Of course, in time and after much Yoga instruction, the advanced student may find himself developing a certain attitude of indifference towards many of the demands of our competitive society -- those demands which can so easily enslave the individual through emphasis on false values and later bring on discontent and a sense of failure if somewhat unrealistic, highly materialistic goals aren't achieved. If this does happen to you, you may well congratulate yourself. For, indifference to material success would be one of the many keys to that mental and emotional freedom without which well-being on any level may be considered inaccessible.