Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga may appear similar, but they have subtle differences. Although both terms are often substituted with the term Raja Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight components of Yoga as proposed by sage Patanjali, who advocated for the principles of the Yoga system of philosophy. In contrast, Hatha Yoga refers to the challenging and strenuous practice, primarily focusing on asanas and pranayama aspects of Yoga. The Sanskrit word “Hatha” means “aggressive,” and the concept was introduced by Swami Svatmarama in the early 15th century.
Key Takeaways
- Hatha Yoga is part of Ashtanga Yoga but serves a different purpose, focusing on purification of the mind and body through asanas and breathing techniques.
- Ashtanga Yoga aims for spiritual growth or absorption, consisting of eight parts: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
- Both Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga have gained popularity in the West, with many schools established in the United States and the United Kingdom teaching these practices.
