In Vedic Sanskrit, yoga (from the root yuj) means “to add”, “to join”, “to unite”, or “to attach” in its most common literal sense. Compare the figurative uses of “to harness” as in “to put something to some use.
The Sanskrit-English Dictionary definition of hatha is “violence, force; obstinacy, pertinacity”. On the face of things then, hatha yoga is the “forceful yoga,” a reference to the vigorous methods – like posture (asana), conscious breathing (pranayama), and various body “seals” (mudra) or muscular contractions, that yogis of this school employ to storm the gates of self-liberation.
Now what does hatha’s esoteric definition of “sun-moon” mean? There are several differing interpretations, but they’re all based on the teaching that every living creature is powered by a subtle energy called prana. The Prana breathing element is the hallmark and centerpiece of Hatha yoga and what distinguishes it from most other forms of yoga, like Flow Yoga or Bikram (hot) Yoga.
There are many sub forms of each style of Yoga and one in particular which is the style I practice is Iyengar Yoga. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture (asana) and breath control (pranayama). The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the asanas. What makes Iyengar to me so great is it takes all the great qualities of Hatha and takes it deeper with the use of props. ie blocks, straps, chairs, bolsters. The use of props allows those that are not so flexible or strong, that may have physical limitations, disease or injuries to do the Asanas (poses) with modifications and support that allow the student to do a pose with less strain and this allows the student to better relax and do the most important aspect of Hatha Yoga and that is the Prana (breathing) part of the pose.
Yoga’s true purpose is to balance the body physically and to prepare the practitioner for meditation and Hatha Yoga does this the best.