In my thesis, I aim to shed light on the significance of the interaction and interplay between body and mind within yoga practice. Drawing on ancient Indian texts, I emphasize the fundamental concepts such as duty, devotion, and self-discipline, which underpin many socio-religious aspects of the Hindu tradition that continue to exist today. In addition to the ideas on a proper and good life, these concepts are also credited with shaping the highly interwoven and extensive yogic system of thought. Hatha yoga, often perceived in the West as a physical discipline, is regarded as one of the central tantric practices in Indian philosophy. Although at first glance, its postures and breathing techniques may initially appear to only impact the physical body, regular and dedicated practice reveals undeniable effects on both mental and psychic levels. The purpose of hatha yoga – the cultivation of a conscious integration of body and mind – encourages one's engagement on a mental plane, which is essential for progressing to more demanding yogic practices. While conscious control of the body activates the mind functions, the practice of breathing techniques allows us to cross the threshold of the mental and later psychic level; by controlling the breath we internalize our awareness and focus on the workings of the subtle energies in the body, which can have a profound effect on our thought processes and allows us to regulate the psychic states of mind. The practices of hatha yoga, especially pranayama, are essential yogic disciplines that help unify the body and mind, thoroughly preparing them for the more demanding meditative practices. It is only through the latter that one can attain higher states of consciousness, experience the original oneness, and achieve the liberation of the soul, thereby living in harmony with the supreme absolute reality.
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