We cannot learn through asanas

We cannot learn or cleanse our mind through asanas. By introspection alone can this be achieved. Asanas can develop body awareness honed to a fine degree but obviously it ends there. Our petty qualities, our ego etc cannot change unless we intend to make a change and this intention does not need asanas. Hence the need for introspection to remove weeds. Its very simple- body has to be kept healthy by exercise and our thoughts to be stilled by pyscho-spiritual processes which primarily is turning inward. It is still appropriate to say that Hatha Yoga is only for the body and not the mind. Imagine an asana removing our bad qualities- over night we can then purify the planet. It is very difficult for the vasanas to change and hence constant introspection is needed.

Live in the constant contemplation of your kinship with others and with the Universe. Do good to others, treat all nature kindly, speak soft and sweet words, become like a child devoid of envy, hate and greed. When your love crosses the boundaries of your family and community, and expands to those beyond, you have taken the first step...

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

To me this is more important than mastering asanas. And , this is enough we dont need more. The physical is like a limited company, the mental impressions we create are to be nourished more than the physical.

hatha yoga for liberation

If Asanas and pranayama alone were enough for liberation every single yogi that has lived

would have done so. Changes on the mental sphere are more needed. Asanas and Pranayama cannot go beyond a level. They are not the end all of things.

Focus on our thoughts- not the body

We spend too much time attending to the body by using hatha yoga.
We must spend more time rectifying our mind rather than the body.