What is the difference between Ashtanga Yoga & Hatha Yoga? Which one is more beneficial?

Hatha Yoga is the path of purification—of body, breath, and energy. It prepares the seeker by strengthening the vessel for higher consciousness through asanas, pranayama, and shatkarmas. Raja Yoga is the royal path of meditation and mental mastery, as taught by Sage Patanjali. It leads the aspirant inward through ethical living, concentration, and samadhi, to realize the Self. Choose the path that resonates with your soul; walk it with faith and fire, and the Truth shall reveal itself. read less

Ashtanga Yoga( Eight limbs of Yoga) : Mahrishi patanjali has mentioned about Ashtanga Yoga in patanjali yoga sutra. In sadhanpada he has explained about eight limbs of yoga and he has explained nicely like everyone can practice these eight limbs{yama(Social discipline), niyama(self discipline), Asana( posture), pranayama, pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi} and can achieve enlightenment . he has explained like firstly you should behave nicely and in a discipline way in society than you should follow self discipline after this you can practice asanas, pranayamas, Dharna , Dhyana, Samadhi. These are like a ladder you have to follow step by step to reah your ultimate goal slowly. In hatha Yoga Swami swatmarama has mentioned like u don't need to follow first two yamas and niymas straight way you can start your practice of Asana, pranayamas, Kriyas and Nada anusandhana. both are having same goal at last to achieve enlightenment . Ashtanga yoga is more helpful and easy to practice Modern ashtanga Yoga: In this you have three series. primary series , secondary series and third series. Firstly you practice primary series once you are master in all asanas than you perform secondary series. Smae way once you become master of secondary series than you practice third seuance. It improves your stemina and tone up your muscles. read less