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In Sanskrit ‘Union of Force’, which signifies in yoga philosophy moon- (ha) or sun- (tha) oriented ascending
or descending energy forces in the body. This school of Indian philosophy stresses mastery of the body as a way of attaining spiritual perfection. It is an outgrowth of the Yoga school of Indian
philosophy. Hathayoga traces its origins to Gorakhnath, the legendary 12th-century founder of the Kanphata sect.
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Hinduismis a collective term, signifying the various religious traditions and currents (but not religions) of the Indian
subcontinent from its beginning until now. The total sum of Hindus is estimated 750 millions, 650 millions living in India. The expression Hinduism is difficult: Etymologically Hinduism means nothing more than 'being Indian'. As expression for a specific religion, this term was introduced by foreigners, being understood in this sense until today even by the Indian population. One Hinduexpression for Hinduism is sanatana dharma (eternal truth). Another western mode of defining Hinduism is to consider him as a group of religions, each following one dominant god (Krishna, Shiva, etc.).
In general our perception of India is deeply influenced by the Brahmin view, impelling on us a unified picture of Hinduism, focusing on the Brahmin as being its centre. They consider creation as a regulated unity, as a realization of cosmic order, guaranteeing eternity. In this view, change is a mere illusion. Its authoritative source and basis is the vedic religion. In this system there is no progressive history, the central point of all speculations being the everlastingness.
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