Difference Between Ashtanga Yoga & Hatha Yoga

Practicing yoga is more than a physical exercise, it is a discipline that involves both mind and spirit. Having the determination to follow the road to discover that balance requires great discipline and dedication.

Since ancient times, there have been numerous ways of practicing yoga developed and combined to achieve hundreds of disciplines in which we can achieve not only physical strengthening, but also enlightenment.

Which one is right for me?

If you are beginning to practice yoga, or perhaps you find yourself wondering if this could be the right exercise for you, even if, out of curiosity, you want to experience the benefits of learning, the origins of yoga practice is a great start.

According to the philosopher, Patanjali and the Bhagavad-Gita Yoga means the union of spirit, mind, and body. To obtain that balance, the scriptures indicate that the practicing of Asanas or yoga poses, must be accompanied by a profound inner journey that leads to self-knowledge, to developing a service vocation and God devotion.

However, you don’t have to practice any religion to do yoga. Regardless of age, gender or weight, anyone can try it. In addition to a mat, all you need to start is the willingness and desire to learn. As the instructor guides you through each pose, your only duty is to connect with the here and now through the sensations of your body discovering new ways to progressively transcend its limits, without becoming discouraged or over-demanding.

Breathing is the primary tool to go beyond our limits. Each inhalation allows us to relax and face the sensations by which our body reactivates and regains the flexibility that we used to have. Remember that yoga is the previous step for meditation since physical practice is just a preparation to spend hours meditating.

Gradually, the concentration state can be reached in classes, by continuously practicing meditation and asanas with discipline, your body and your mind will be balanced. Yoga activates areas of the brain responsible for making you feel calmer and satisfied, more optimistic and therefore more empathetic. So, yoga does manage to balance mind, body and spirit.

Now, is there more than one type of Yoga?

Before delving into the differences between Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga, it is essential to clarify that Hatha is the fundamental basis of poses that make up other variants such as Ashtanga.

Hatha is generally known as classical yoga and, in some cases, includes devotional practices such as mantra’s singing, and may give higher relevance to other methods such as meditation or breathing techniques.

All styles of physical yoga come from this tradition, which initially consists of a set of postures, breathing exercises, purification techniques, meditation as well as other life recommendations of yoga philosophy.

Nowadays, however, this concept has been simplified. This is commonly known as Hatha yoga which practices more comfortable postures, holding them for just seconds to reach a mild state of relaxation.

Hatha yoga focuses on perfecting asanas and doing pranayama or breathing control, to increase the vital energy flow throughout the body. Hatha works especially to improve that flow of energy through meditation. Although Ashtanga also incorporates these elements, the poses flow more dynamically.

So what is the difference?

• One of the main differences between a physical yoga class and modern approaches is whether it is based on hatha yoga, that is, holding the postures to focus on meditation, or if it is vinyasa style. Vinyasa is not properly traditional, but rather a dynamic yoga style, composed of continuous sequences, synchronized with breathing techniques.

• For example, Ashtanga yoga, Anusara, Power yoga or Jivamukti are vinyasa. Ashtanga yoga comes from India but is a more contemporary interpretation that focuses almost exclusively on physical work. Usually, the class method depends on the teacher because it can have different interpretations. Some teachers have managed to give Ashtanga a deep and spiritual connotation.

• Finally, the ashtanga style has been designed by a teacher who collected a specific number of asanas, arranging them in sequences with the intention of creating a dynamic discipline, focused on creating an energy rush rather than a meditative state. Hatha Yoga contains many more yoga poses that aren’t usually practiced in an Ashtanga studio.

Which style is the right for me?

It will depend on your expectations and preferences. If for example, you are looking to lose weight, Ashtanga can be a more suitable option. Instead, if you want to learn meditation or improve your breathing, Hatha is the basis to help you find your way into the world of Yoga. However, it is advisable to start with the style that most appeals to you. Remember, you should always start with a beginner’s introductory class.

Recommendations?

• Go to the nearest Yoga center and talk to the instructor about their approach, requirements, and practices. You will be surprised to find students of the most diverse physical conditions gathered in the same class.

• Don’t get discouraged! If at first you don’t achieve an asana or you lack balance. Try to be humble and remember that you are continually making progress. Yoga’s about the journey, not the destination.

• Hatha and Ashtanga yoga share a similar style but are practiced in different ways; there’s no right or bad decisions.

• Remember to breathe! It is amazing how disconnected we are from breathing even when it is indispensable for life. Inhale and let the energy flow within you, exhale and let your problems, ailments, and worries come out.

https://mantrayogameditation.org/yoga-teacher-training-india/

Yoga Teacher Training India