The Nath traditions are strongly associated with the historical development and transmission of hatha yoga, especially through texts and teachers attributed to Gorakhnath and other siddhas. These currents discuss yogic discipline involving the body, breath and mind in pursuit of spiritual transformation and liberation.
It is nevertheless inaccurate to say that all hatha yoga originated exclusively with Gorakhnath or the Nath order. Modern historical research documents practices developing across several interacting ascetic, Shaiva and Buddhist communities; some influential early sources precede the better-known Nath-labelled manuals. Nor is every modern posture-focused yoga class equivalent to medieval Nath practice. This FAQ explains history, not advanced breathing or esoteric technique.