Hatha yoga Yoga. Hatha yoga practice has many elements, both behavioral and of practice. The Hatha yoga texts state that a successful yogi has certain characteristics. Section 1.16 of the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika", for example, states these characteristics to be "utsaha" (enthusiasm, fortitude), "sahasa" (courage), "dhairya" (patience), "jnana tattva" (essence for knowledge), "nishcaya" (resolve, determination) and "tyaga" (solitude, renunciation). In the Western culture, Hatha yoga is typically understood as "asanas" and it can be practiced as such. In the Indian and Tibetan traditions, Hatha yoga is much more. It extends well beyond being a sophisticated physical exercise system and integrates ideas of
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