Hatha yoga the number of adult practitioners in the US is 20.4 million, or 8.7 percent. The survey reported that 44 percent of those not practicing yoga said they are interested in trying it. Hatha yoga Hatha yoga is a branch of Yoga, one of the six schools of Hinduism. The Sanskrit word "haṭha" literally means "force" and thus alludes to a system of physical techniques. In India hatha yoga is associated in popular tradition with the 'Yogis' of the Natha Sampradaya through its mythical founder Matsyendranath. Matsyendranath, also known as Minanath or Minapa in Tibet, is celebrated as a saint in
Bhagavad Gita "bhakti" effort is assisted with "right knowledge" and dedication to one's "dharma". Theologian Catherine Cornille writes, "The text [of the "Gita"] offers a survey of the different possible disciplines for attaining liberation through knowledge ("Jnana"), action ("karma"), and loving devotion to God ("bhakti"), focusing on the latter as both the easiest and the highest path to salvation." According to M. R. Sampatkumaran, a "Bhagavad Gita" scholar, the "Gita" message is that mere knowledge of the scriptures cannot lead to final release, but "devotion, meditation, and worship" are essential." The "Gita" likely spawned a "powerful devotionalism" movement, states Fowler, because the