THE FOUR STAGES OF HATHA YOGA

In ancient texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradapika and the Siva Samhita, the belief is that there are four stages of yoga. 

STAGE ONE: The State of Beginning. Arambhavastha.

Here we begin to understand the body as an entire entity rather than separate parts of a whole. By teaching awareness that the foot is connected to the ankle, which is connected to the calf, so therefore the foot is connected to the calf as well, the intelligence of the body moves from a divided concentration to a single concentration.

STAGE TWO: The State of The Body. Ghatavastha. 

At this stage, we begin to incorporate the motion of the mind with the motion of the body. The mind is no longer the observer, but rather a part of the single concentration. The mind begins to feel action as well.

STAGE THREE: State of Intimate Knowledge. Parichayavastha.

This step involves introducing the body to intelligence. Thought disappears when the mind no longer has to work hard to move the body into posture, as the body is working at a high level of intelligence on its own. 

STAGE FOUR: State of perfection. Nispattyavastha.

In this stage, the presentation of the asana allows for the mind, body, and intelligence to move in the same direction. Patanjali says that the yogi's body should move as fast as the speed of the soul. When all moves in the same direction at the same speed, freedom from the limits of the body are attained. 

I am just beginning to learn and understand these stages, so if anyone would like to give me more information about this topic, I would love to hear it!