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

Hatha Yoga is a technique which focuses on Asanas related to the Physical Body. Ashtanga (meaning 8 parts) Yoga is a set of holistic practices which starts from 1) Yamas & 2) Niyamas (Do's and Dont's for a yogic lifestyle), then 3) Asanas (Body Posture), then 4) Pranayama (Breathing Exercise), moving onto 5) Pratyahara (Taking the senses inwards) and finally ending in 6) Dhyana (Concentration), 7) Dharana (Meditation/Being in the 'Zone'), 8) Samadhi (State of Equanimity or Perfection) Which one is more beneficial depends on your personality. If you consider your physical body as the only aspect (or the most important aspect) of your personality, then Hatha Yoga will be more beneficial for you. But, if you want a more thorough, step-by-step process of practicing yoga which includes the body, mind, lifestyle and soul, then Ashtanga Yoga will be more beneficial. Ashtanga yoga is also a more rational and logical journey towards self-realization whereas Hatha Yoga can be dangerous if not performed under the guidance of a proper Guru because Hatha Yoga focuses only on the betterment of the physical body, which might lead to entanglement into the pleasures of the physical body and the yogi might miss out on the dimensions beyond the physical body which are much more enlightening, pleasant, blissful and fulfilling. read less

Difference Between Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga – Which is More Beneficial? The concept of Ashtanga Yoga is explained in detail in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, starting from Sutra 2.29 in the Sadhana Pada (second chapter) and extending into the Vibhuti Pada (third chapter). It describes eight systematic steps that guide the mind toward the path of yoga: 1. Yama 2. Niyama 3. Asana 4. Pranayama 5. Pratyahara 6. Dharana 7. Dhyana 8. Samadhi In Ashtanga Yoga, the focus is not on controlling the mind forcefully, but rather on observing mental tendencies with awareness and detachment. One learns to witness thoughts and emotions non-violently, allowing them to arise and pass naturally. Hatha Yoga, on the other hand, is traditionally divided into four sections: 1. Techniques of Asana 2. Techniques of Pranayama 3. Techniques of Mudra 4. Signs of Samadhi In Hatha Yoga, the practitioner uses physical practices such as asanas, pranayama, and mudras to discipline the body and regulate the breath, ultimately leading the mind toward the yogic path. Which is more beneficial?It is not accurate to say that one form of yoga is superior to the other. Instead, they complement each other: For physical health and vitality, the practices of Hatha Yoga (asana, pranayama, mudra) are highly beneficial. For mental peace, inner balance, and spiritual progress, Ashtanga Yoga provides a more direct path. Therefore, the ideal approach is a balanced combination of both Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, leading to overall harmony of body, mind, and spirit. 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