Hatha Yoga meditation is also referred to as hatha vidya or the science of hatha yoga. “Hatha” is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ha means sun and tha means moon. However, joining the two parts gives rise to a new meaning - forceful. This means that powerful work must be carried out to purify the body. Yoga means to yoke or join two things together. Thus hatha yoga joins together the sun (active, masculine) energy with the moon (receptive, feminine) and therefore produces more balance and power in a person. Traditionally Hatha Yoga includes physical postures (asana), poses (mudra), purification procedures (shatkriya), yogic breathing (pranayama), and meditation.

Bikram yoga meditation or hot yoga is a technique carried out in a heated room (105ºF or 40.5ºC). The 26 exercises bring about overall well being, promote weight loss, detoxify the body and help the digestive, endocrinal, respiratory and lymphatic systems to function well. This meditation was started by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970’s.

Many people find it soothing and relaxing to listening to music while meditating and practicing yoga.  Music can be instrumental, classical, rock, hip hop, carnatic, Sufi or devotional. It depends on one’s personal choice.

Meditation is one of the five principals of yoga. It requires you to focus your mind on one point. There are several ways to meditate, namely, by concentration techniques, insight meditation, contemplation and self research and meditation in motion.

Yoga transcendental meditation is so called because it brings one to a state where you leave the material world behind and think of nothingness. This should be practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day. It does not require concentration and is relaxing.

The benefits of yoga meditation are many -
•Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate
•Lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety attacks
•Enhances the immune system.
•Increases flexibility and lubrication of the tendons, ligaments and joints.
•Complete detoxification
•Tones the muscles
•Harmonizes the mind and body which is the most important benefit of all.

Meditation poses for yoga include:-
•Padmasana( Full Lotus Posture)
•Ardha Padmasana(Half Lotus Posture)
•The Burmese Pose
•The Egyptian Pose

You can learn about the different types of meditation in yoga with guided meditation techniques. There are several books, online videos, E-classes, E-books that assist one with this.  They will help you to reduce stress and achieve peace of mind.