Ashtanga Yoga And Hatha Yoga

246 Views

Many people who are interested in taking up Yoga are aware of the two forms: Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga. However not many are fully clear about the details specific to these two techniques. They are confused about which of these two is suitable for an individual. And, it is this very aspect that this write-up is going to elaborate upon.

Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga Yoga is a part of the Yoga Sutras composed by Patanjali where “Asht” stands for eight while “anga” means limbs. So, these are the eight limbs of Yoga that enable an individual to lead an ethical and meaningful life. The limbs are nothing but the principles that guide a person.

Yama is the first of the eight limbs that speaks about adherence to ethics and righteous behavior. The second one is Niyama explaining about spiritual disciplines, and Asana is the third limb focused on various postures.
In the same way, the fourth limb is Pranayama, which is all about numerous breathing techniques.
Pratyahara is the fifth principle emphasizing the significance of detachment. The sixth one is Dharana, which stresses on the relevance of concentration, and the aspect of meditation is covered under the seventh limb named Dhyana.
Lastly, we have Samadhi which is automatically achieved when a practitioner successfully follows the guidelines of the seven limbs. It is a state of experiencing oneness with the Divine.

Hatha Yoga:
Just like Ashtanga Yoga, even Hatha Yoga was an important discipline that was a part of the Sanatana Dharma of ancient Bharat. This Yogic system was practiced to heal the mind and make a person ready to take up advanced meditation. It will now be worthwhile to go into more detail about this form of Yoga.

The primary objective of Hatha Yoga is to facilitate the free flow of energy and breath within the body. Once this objective is achieved, the body will be incessantly in a state of optimum health.
This yogic form explains the numerous physical postures that make sure that energy flows freely throughout the body.
Techniques of Pranayama are included in Hatha Yoga, as well.
In contemporary times, it’s Hatha Yoga that is being widely practiced in many regions of the globe.

Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga- Differences:
Now, it won’t be inappropriate to succinctly highlight the major differences between Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is ideal for beginners, as its guidelines and norms are not as rigid as those of Ashtanga Yoga. Hatha Yoga can be modified a bit taking into consideration the preference/limitations of the aspirant. These kinds of changes can’t be made to Ashtanga Yoga; all the precepts of the eight limbs have to be mandatorily followed.
Though meditation is an inseparable element of both these yoga methods, yet; there is a key difference. Hatha Yoga attaches more importance to the physical fitness and health angle of Yoga. On the other hand, the major goal of Ashtanga Yoga is something spiritual and not physical. It is concerned with making a person attain self-realization; the aspect of physical health is only a small part of the process.
Only those people with high levels of dedication and mental strength are advised to take up the Ashtanga Yoga practices. And, Hatha Yoga would suffice for individuals who are just seeking physical exercises that improve their health and appearance.