difference between yoga and hatha yoga

Scope:

Yoga is a broad practice encompassing physical postures, breathing, meditation, and ethics, while Hatha yoga specifically focuses on physical postures and breath control.

Philosophical Foundation

Yoga includes the eightfold path of Patanjali, addressing mind, body, and spirit. Hatha yoga emphasizes the physical and breathwork aspects of this path.

Historical Development

Yoga dates back to ancient texts like the Vedas and the Yoga Sutras. Hatha yoga emerged around the 11th century CE with texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Practices

Yoga includes asanas, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and ethical living. Hatha yoga focuses mainly on asanas and pranayama.

Physical Intensity

Yoga varies in intensity depending on the style. Hatha yoga is typically moderate, emphasizing slow, deliberate movements and breath.

Goals

Yoga aims for overall well-being and spiritual enlightenment. Hatha yoga aims to purify and strengthen the body as a foundation for spiritual practice.

Modern Adaptations

Yoga has diversified into many styles like Vinyasa and Iyengar. Hatha yoga remains a foundational practice for these styles.

Teacher Training

Yoga teacher training covers a broad curriculum, while Hatha yoga training focuses more on physical postures and breath control.