Hatha Yoga is a preparatory process of Yoga. The word “ha” means sun, “ta” means moon. “Hatha” means the Yoga to bring balance between the sun and the moon in you, or the Pingala and Ida in you. Hatha Yoga originates from Raja Yoga. It is the simpler version of Raja Yoga. In simple words, you can say all the yoga poses and pranayama exercises can be classified as Hatha Yoga. So if you practice any yoga asanas or pranayama exercises you are practicing Hatha.
It is the austere practice of asana, pranayama, dharana, and dhyana to achieve the sublime state of samadhi. In samadhi the yogi becomes free from the illusion of form, time, and space.
Hatha yoga can be experienced through the following :
Asanas – to gain control over the body
Pranayama – to gain control over the breath
Mudra – to manipulate and stimulate pranas (subtle energies)
Bandhas – to stimulate chakras (energy centers)
Kriyas – to purify internal organs
Mantras – to control the mind