Authored: Moritz Ulrich | Reading time: 7 minutes | Last updated: 14 July 2026

Jivamukti Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga or Hatha: what’s the difference?

The difference between Jivamukti Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Hatha is harder to grasp than it seems – because, traditionally, three of these four terms mean something different from what is understood by them on a timetable today.

In short: Hatha originally referred to the physical practice of yoga in general and literally means „strength“. Ashtanga is the eight-limbed path from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Vinyasa describes a technique, namely the conscious linking of breath and movement. Jivamukti Yoga is a holistic yoga path that brings these elements together and is based on five pillars.

This article explains both styles – the classic and the everyday – and helps you work out which one suits you best.

What is the difference between Jivamukti Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga?

The four terms are not on the same level. Traditionally, Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa each describe a different aspect of the yoga practice. Jivamukti Yoga is a complete method that integrates these aspects.

	Hatha	Ashtanga	Vinyasa	Jivamukti
Traditional meaning	„Strength“; the physical practice of yoga itself	the eightfold path from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras	„conscious positioning“; linking breath with movement	„Liberation in this life“ (jivan mukti)
Today's timetable	Slow class, holding the poses for longer	K. Pattabhi Jois’s method, fixed sequences	a brisk flow, short dwell times	Vinyasa class with philosophy, music, chanting and meditation
Sequence	free	fixed	open-ended, designed by the teacher	free, based on the theme of the month
Music	rare	none	sometimes	an integral part
Chanting	rare	Opening mantra	rare	an integral part
Meditation	optional	optional	rare	an integral part
Philosophy	optional	in the background	often not at all	Key feature: a new topic every month
Shaped by	classical tradition	Patanjali / K. Pattabhi Jois	classical tradition / modern studio culture	Sharon Gannon & David Life, 1984

Why do Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa mean something different today than they originally did?

Because, in modern studio culture, class names have evolved from philosophical terms. The words have remained, but their meaning has narrowed.

Hatha traditionally refers to the physical practice of yoga as such – literally „strength“ or „effort“. Historically, therefore, Hatha Yoga is not slow by its very nature; it can certainly be dynamic. Today, „Hatha“ on the timetable usually refers to a gentler class.

Ashtanga means „eight limbs“ and refers to the eight-limbed path described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Today, however, it almost always refers to the asana method founded by K. Pattabhi Jois.

Vinyasa It does not describe a style, but rather a technique: the conscious coordination of breath and movement. On today’s timetable, „Vinyasa Flow“ refers to a specific type of class.

This ambiguity is not a mistake, but it is helpful to know that a term can mean two different things depending on the context.

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga is traditionally the umbrella term for any physical yoga practice. One could say that Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Jivamukti yoga all fall under this umbrella. The word means „strength“ or „effort“ – so Hatha yoga is by no means necessarily slow in its original form. It can be dynamic and challenging.

Its roots lie in texts such as the 15th-century *Hatha Yoga Pradipika*, which describes asanas, pranayama and purification practices as preparation for meditation.

On a modern timetable, however, the meaning has narrowed. „Hatha“ usually refers to a slower-paced class in which individual poses are held for longer, leaving time for alignment, breathing and holding the pose.

Strictly speaking, that’s not entirely correct – but it’s useful to know in practice: these days, anyone booking a Hatha class can generally expect calm and precision, not a fast pace.

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga means „eight limbs“ and originally refers to the eight-limbed path from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Asana – the physical posture – is just one of the eight limbs.

However, when people say „Ashtanga Yoga“ these days, they almost always mean the asana method founded by K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, South India – or, to be more precise, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

This method follows set sequences. The order of the postures is the same in every class; the Primary Series forms the starting point. Breathing (Ujjayi), the focal point (Drishti) and body locks (Bandhas) are integral parts of the practice.

There are two formats: the guided class and the Mysore style, in which everyone practises on their own at their own pace, whilst the teacher provides individual corrections.

The appeal lies in the repetition: because the sequence remains the same, it becomes clear over the years what has changed.

What is Vinyasa yoga?

Strictly speaking, Vinyasa is not a style of yoga, but a tool. The word roughly translates as „conscious placement“ and describes the connection between breath and movement: each movement is guided by an inhalation or exhalation. In this sense, Jivamukti Yoga is also Vinyasa-based.

On today’s timetable, „Vinyasa“ or „Vinyasa Flow“ refers to something more specific: a fast-paced class in which poses are held for relatively short periods and the sequence is freely devised by the teacher. Philosophy is often not covered, nor is detailed alignment.

This makes Vinyasa flexible, but unspecific. The word on a timetable says little about what actually happens in the class – that depends almost entirely on the person at the front of the room.

For many, that is precisely the appeal. However, anyone looking for a consistent philosophical thread will not automatically find it here.

What is Jivamukti Yoga?

Jivamukti Yoga is a holistic yoga practice founded in New York in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. The name derives from the Sanskrit term jivan mukti: liberation in this life, in this very body.

The physical practice is Vinyasa-based. The Eightfold Path – traditionally known as Ashtanga – forms part of the curriculum. And the practice is never an end in itself.

Every Jivamukti class is based on five pillars:

• Shastra – the study of the scriptures: Sanskrit, the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita
• Bhakti – Devotion to the divine; the recognition of something greater than one’s own self
• Ahimsa – Non-violence, practised in our treatment of animals and the environment, a vegan lifestyle
• Nada – the practice of listening; music and chanting form part of the session
• Dhyana – Meditation

Added to this is the ‘Focus of the Month’: a philosophical theme that all Jivamukti schools worldwide explore together for a month.

Is Jivamukti Yoga a form of Vinyasa Yoga?

Physically, yes; methodologically, no. The sequences are fluid and breath-led – Vinyasa in the original sense of the word. But Vinyasa merely describes a tool. Jivamukti describes a complete path with its own curriculum, its own teacher training and defined content. Jivamukti Yoga is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings.

The practical difference is evident in the timetable: Vinyasa classes are as varied as the teachers who lead them. A Jivamukti Open Class in Berlin, Tokyo or New York follows the same structure and covers the same theme in the same month, all over the world.

You could put it this way: Vinyasa is one of the tools Jivamukti uses – not a description of what Jivamukti is.

Jivamukti Yoga is also a registered trademark. Only teachers who have completed the Jivamukti training programme are permitted to teach under this name, and only authorised schools may call themselves Jivamukti Yoga schools.

Which style of yoga is right for me?

There’s no such thing as the best style – there’s just the one that suits what you’re looking for right now.

• You want to learn the poses at your own pace → Hatha
• Are you looking for structure, discipline and a benchmark that will stand the test of time? → Ashtanga
• You want exercise, variety and a fast pace → Vinyasa
• Are you looking for a practice that brings together the body, philosophy, music and meditation? → Jivamukti

An honest observation about Jivamukti Yoga: It’s a serious practice. There’s chanting, meditation and discussions about ethics. For some people, this can feel a bit unfamiliar at first.

But „seriously“ doesn’t mean ‘you have to be ready first’. At Peace Yoga Berlin, there are no levels. Every pose is demonstrated in different variations, and nobody expects you to know the Sanskrit text. You’re welcome to just sit there and listen.

Which Jivamukti class is best for beginners?

In Jivamukti Yoga, there are no levels. There are different types of classes – and two of these are relevant for beginners.

Jivamukti Open Class This is the most popular format and is open to everyone, regardless of previous experience. Each pose is demonstrated in different variations, and nobody is assessed. The session flows smoothly, with less focus on technical explanations. If you simply want to join in and experience the method, this is the place for you – even if it’s your very first session.

Jivamukti Basic Class teaches the basics: alignment, breathing and the structure of the individual poses. The groups are smaller, so there is scope for questions and more detailed explanations.

Both approaches are valid. If you like to understand before you do, start with a Basic Class. If you prefer to dive straight into the experience, come along to an Open Class. Many people practise both at the same time.

Where can I practise Jivamukti Yoga in Berlin?

Peace Yoga Berlin is a Jivamukti Yoga school at Glogauer Straße 19, 10999 Berlin, on the border between Kreuzberg and Neukölln. It is the home of Jivamukti Yoga in Berlin

The timetable includes daily Jivamukti classes. All teachers at Peace Yoga Berlin are certified Jivamukti teachers.

If you’re not sure whether this method’s right for you, why not come along and have a look? Most people know within an hour whether they want to come back.

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