Ulrica Norberg & (photos by) Andreas Lundberg, Hatha Yoga: The Body's Path to Balance, Focus, and Strength (New York: Skyhorse Publishing, 2008) ("When we practice asanas we combine and balance the masculine and feminine energy within each of us, whether we are a man or a woman. According to Hatha Yoga philosophy, each individual must begin by balancing the physical body so that the mind can also be strengthened. If the body is strong, it creates a counterweight and positively influences mental power. But the mind also must be strengthened so that it, in turn, can strengthen the body. These two function in harmony. If the mind and body are weak, the soul is more easily influenced and wounded. Psychic-physical yoga movements lead to a calm, focused mind and a strong and flexible body and bring a feeling of wholeness, harmony, freedom, and peace to the soul." Id. at 18.).
Samskrti & Veda, Hatha Yoga: Manual I, 2d ed., revised and expanded (Honedale, PA: The Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U. S. A., 1977, 1985) ("The benefits and purposes of the asanas may be concisely summarized as follows. First, to prepare the body for meditation, making it calm, steady, and firm. Second , to free the body from disease (dis-ease); to develop superb health so that the mind is not distracted by aches and pains after the body has been made steady for meditation. Third, to bring lightness to the body--not only literally, by reducing excess weight and increasing suppleness, but also figuratively, counteracting heaviness and depression by developing lightness of feeling and expression." Id. at 62.).
