3) the psycho-spiritual - working with the mind/self inquiry into non-duality (Raja Yoga)
Traditional Hatha Yoga is intended to lead to Raja Yoga.
Hatha Yoga employs asanas (postures), purifying practices (shatkarma), mudras (finger and hand positions), bandhas (psychic locks), and pranayama (conscious breathing practices), for the purpose of the awakening Kundalini shakti (subtle energy) and it’s ascension through Sushumna (the central energy channel), progressing with Raja Yoga to the deep meditative absorption called Samadhi.
Arguably, the first five limbs of Raja Yoga —yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and pratyahara — make up the external path of Hatha Yoga, which is preparation for the last three limbs - dharana, dhyana and samadhi - the internal stages of Raja Yoga.
