Chapter I — Prathamopadesa
Āsana
प्रथमोपदेशः
The foundations of hatha yoga practice: salutations and lineage, the qualifications of the yogi, and the eight principal āsanas. This opening chapter establishes the prerequisites for safe, effective practice and introduces the physical foundation upon which all yoga rests.
In This Chapter
- Salutations & Lineage (Verses 1–9)
- Prerequisites for Practice (Verses 10–16)
- The Asanas: Svastikasana through Simhasana (Verses 17–32)
- The Asanas: Bhadrasana through Savasana (Verses 33–34)
- Siddhasana (Verses 35–43)
- Padmasana (Verses 44–49)
- Other Asanas & Summary (Verses 50–55)
- Diet & Lifestyle (Verses 56–67)
I. Salutations & Lineage
Verses 1–9 | Opening prayers, lineage of yogis, purpose of hatha yoga
Verse 1
श्रीआदिनाथाय नमोऽस्तु तस्मै
येनोपदिष्टा हठयोगविद्या ।
विभ्राजते प्रोन्नतराजयोग-
मारोढुमिच्छोरधिरोहिणीव ॥
येनोपदिष्टा हठयोगविद्या ।
विभ्राजते प्रोन्नतराजयोग-
मारोढुमिच्छोरधिरोहिणीव ॥
śrī ādi nāthāya namo'stu tasmai
yenopadiṣṭā haṭha yoga vidyā |
vibhrājate pronnatarāja yoga-
māroḍhum icchor adhirohiṇīva ||
yenopadiṣṭā haṭha yoga vidyā |
vibhrājate pronnatarāja yoga-
māroḍhum icchor adhirohiṇīva ||
Salutations to the glorious primal Lord, Shiva, who taught the science of hatha yoga—which shines forth as a stairway for those who wish to ascend to the highest stage of raja yoga.
Verse 2
स्वात्मारामेण मुनिना कृत्स्नं
हठयोगविज्ञानमुदाहृतम् ।
तद्विज्ञानशक्तेः शरीरदृष्ट्या
राजयोगं निष्कण्टकः पथः ॥
हठयोगविज्ञानमुदाहृतम् ।
तद्विज्ञानशक्तेः शरीरदृष्ट्या
राजयोगं निष्कण्टकः पथः ॥
svātmārāmeṇa muninā krtsnaṁ
haṭha yoga vijñānam udāhṛtam |
tad vijñāna śakteḥ śarīra dṛṣṭyā
rāja yogaṁ niṣkaṇṭakaḥ pathaḥ ||
haṭha yoga vijñānam udāhṛtam |
tad vijñāna śakteḥ śarīra dṛṣṭyā
rāja yogaṁ niṣkaṇṭakaḥ pathaḥ ||
The sage Svātmārāma has expounded the whole science of hatha yoga. Through knowledge of the body, this science becomes the pathless path to raja yoga.
Verse 3
अष्टानं तस्य नामानां वर्णं
कर्तुं न शक्यमपि गुणसंज्ञया ।
तत्सर्वं हठयोगसिद्ध्या
लभ्यते नात्र संशयः ॥
कर्तुं न शक्यमपि गुणसंज्ञया ।
तत्सर्वं हठयोगसिद्ध्या
लभ्यते नात्र संशयः ॥
aṣṭānāṁ tasya nāmānāṁ varṇaṁ
kartuṁ na śakyam api guṇa saṁjñayā |
tat sarvaṁ haṭha yoga siddhyā
labhyate nātra saṁśayaḥ ||
kartuṁ na śakyam api guṇa saṁjñayā |
tat sarvaṁ haṭha yoga siddhyā
labhyate nātra saṁśayaḥ ||
It is not possible to describe the eight attributes of Shiva by enumeration alone. All of these are obtained through the perfection of hatha yoga. There is no doubt of this.
Verse 4
आदिनाथः शिवः कृष्णः
मत्स्येंद्रो गोरक्षनाथः ।
विश्वामित्रः च भरद्वाजः
हठयोगमिदं प्रणिधिः ॥
मत्स्येंद्रो गोरक्षनाथः ।
विश्वामित्रः च भरद्वाजः
हठयोगमिदं प्रणिधिः ॥
ādi nāthaḥ śivaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
matsyendra matsyendro gorakṣa nāthaḥ |
viśvāmitra ca bharadvājaḥ
haṭha yogam idaṁ praṇidhiḥ ||
matsyendra matsyendro gorakṣa nāthaḥ |
viśvāmitra ca bharadvājaḥ
haṭha yogam idaṁ praṇidhiḥ ||
Ādi-nātha (the primal Lord), Śiva, Krishṇa, Matsyendra, and Gorakṣa were devoted to hatha yoga, as were Viśvāmitra and Bharadvāja.
Verse 5
भैरवः खण्डकपालः
कन्थडी मत्स्येन्द्रनाथः ।
चौरङ्गीनाथः गोरक्षः
विश्वामित्रः गुरुः इदम् ॥
कन्थडी मत्स्येन्द्रनाथः ।
चौरङ्गीनाथः गोरक्षः
विश्वामित्रः गुरुः इदम् ॥
bhairava khaṇḍa kapālaḥ
kanthḍī matsyendra nāthaḥ |
chauraṅgī nāthaḥ gorakṣaḥ
viśvāmitra guruḥ idam ||
kanthḍī matsyendra nāthaḥ |
chauraṅgī nāthaḥ gorakṣaḥ
viśvāmitra guruḥ idam ||
Bhairava, Khaṇḍa-kapāla, Kanthḍī, Matsyendra-nātha, Chaurangī-nātha, and Gorakṣa were the teachers and transmitters of this hatha yoga.
Verse 6
चौरङ्गीनाथसिष्यात्
गोरक्षनाथो महामुनिः ।
तस्यापि शिष्यात्स्वात्मारामः
हठयोगमिदमुद्भवतः ॥
गोरक्षनाथो महामुनिः ।
तस्यापि शिष्यात्स्वात्मारामः
हठयोगमिदमुद्भवतः ॥
chauraṅgī nātha śiṣyāt
gorakṣa nātho mahā muniḥ |
tasyāpi śiṣyāt svātmārāmaḥ
haṭha yogam idam udbhavataḥ ||
gorakṣa nātho mahā muniḥ |
tasyāpi śiṣyāt svātmārāmaḥ
haṭha yogam idam udbhavataḥ ||
The great sage Gorakṣa was a disciple of Chaurangī-nātha. Svātmārāma was a disciple of Gorakṣa, from whom he received the teaching of hatha yoga.
Verse 7
गुणिनां यमनियमादि
षट्कं योगश्च साधनम् ।
तत्कल्पनां भरद्वाजः
कृतवांस्तत्र संशयः ॥
षट्कं योगश्च साधनम् ।
तत्कल्पनां भरद्वाजः
कृतवांस्तत्र संशयः ॥
guṇinām yama niyamādi
ṣaṭkaṁ yogaś ca sādhnam |
tat kalpnāṁ bharadvājaḥ
kṛtavāṁs tattra saṁśayaḥ ||
ṣaṭkaṁ yogaś ca sādhnam |
tat kalpnāṁ bharadvājaḥ
kṛtavāṁs tattra saṁśayaḥ ||
The six disciplines beginning with yama and niyama are the prerequisites for yoga. Bharadvāja established this rule. There is no doubt of this.
Verse 8
राजयोगसमारूढं
गोरक्षनाथसम्मतम् ।
हठयोगमिदं नृणां
मुक्तिमार्गमविद्यते ॥
गोरक्षनाथसम्मतम् ।
हठयोगमिदं नृणां
मुक्तिमार्गमविद्यते ॥
rāja yoga samārūḍhaṁ
gorakṣa nātha sammtam |
haṭha yogam idaṁ nṛṇāṁ
mukti mārga m avidyate ||
gorakṣa nātha sammtam |
haṭha yogam idaṁ nṛṇāṁ
mukti mārga m avidyate ||
This hatha yoga, approved by Gorakṣa-nātha, leads to the heights of raja yoga. For men, it is the path to liberation.
Verse 9
वारणे हठयोगसिद्धि
निश्चयास्ते मनिषिणः ।
प्रणवात्मकमेकं ब्रह्म
राजयोगफलं परम् ॥
निश्चयास्ते मनिषिणः ।
प्रणवात्मकमेकं ब्रह्म
राजयोगफलं परम् ॥
vāraṇe haṭha yoga siddhi
niścayāste maniṣiṇaḥ |
praṇvā tmakaṁ ekaṁ brahma
rāja yoga phalaṁ param ||
niścayāste maniṣiṇaḥ |
praṇvā tmakaṁ ekaṁ brahma
rāja yoga phalaṁ param ||
The wise are certain that in the city of Vārāṇasī hatha yoga becomes perfect. The ultimate fruit of raja yoga is the realization of Brahman, which is the essence of the ॐ.
II. Prerequisites for Practice
Verses 10–16 | Suitable place, qualities of a yogi, diet, obstacles and aids
Verse 10
निर्जने देशे समतलभूमि
गुहायां वा महीपतेः ।
आश्रमे शीतलदेशे
हठयोगं समाभ्यसेत् ॥
गुहायां वा महीपतेः ।
आश्रमे शीतलदेशे
हठयोगं समाभ्यसेत् ॥
nirjane deśe samtal bhūmi
guhāyāṁ vā mahī pateḥ |
āśrame śītal deśe
haṭha yogaṁ samābhyaset ||
guhāyāṁ vā mahī pateḥ |
āśrame śītal deśe
haṭha yogaṁ samābhyaset ||
Hatha yoga should be practiced in a place that is remote, clean, and level; in a cave or mountain cell free from excessive heat or cold; in a pleasant shelter on the king's domain, or in an ordered monastery.
Verse 11
यो भूमिर्नग्नमञ्जरीमशृङ्खलां
पशूनां मलमूत्रहीनः ।
अदूषितः पानपात्रश्च
तत्र योगी हठं भजेत् ॥
पशूनां मलमूत्रहीनः ।
अदूषितः पानपात्रश्च
तत्र योगी हठं भजेत् ॥
yo bhūmir nagna mañjarī mašṛṅkhalāṁ
paśūnāṁ mal ūtra hīnaḥ |
adūṣitaḥ pāna pātraś ca
tatra yogī haṭhaṁ bhajet ||
paśūnāṁ mal ūtra hīnaḥ |
adūṣitaḥ pāna pātraś ca
tatra yogī haṭhaṁ bhajet ||
The place should be free from the filth and stench of animals, free from the contaminating presence of those of low character, and pure in its waters. The yogi should practice hatha yoga in such a place.
Verse 12
अभ्यसे योग्यतां लब्ध्वा
स्थिरचित्तः समश्नुते ।
मृदुलोष्ठोदरी नियती
गुणवान्धीमान्समश्नुते ॥
स्थिरचित्तः समश्नुते ।
मृदुलोष्ठोदरी नियती
गुणवान्धीमान्समश्नुते ॥
abhyase yogyatāṁ labdhvā
sthira cittaḥ samaśnute |
mṛdul oṣṭho daraī niyatī
guṇavān dhīmān samaśnute ||
sthira cittaḥ samaśnute |
mṛdul oṣṭho daraī niyatī
guṇavān dhīmān samaśnute ||
He who is firm of will, of pure conduct, abstemious in eating, and possessed of self-control and good character—such a one achieves success in yoga.
Verse 13
योगी भवति न हि तन्मा
दर्पेणातिप्रवर्तते ।
वातात्पञ्चविधो व्याधि
सर्वेषामेव जायते ॥
दर्पेणातिप्रवर्तते ।
वातात्पञ्चविधो व्याधि
सर्वेषामेव जायते ॥
yogī bhavati na hi tanmā
darpeṇ ati pravartate |
vātāt pañca vidhó vyādhi
sarveṣāṁ eva jāyate ||
darpeṇ ati pravartate |
vātāt pañca vidhó vyādhi
sarveṣāṁ eva jāyate ||
Verily, the practice of yoga destroys disease and suffering. But he who is heedless in practice obtains not success. For the disease of excess of wind arises in the body of all practitioners who are not careful.
Verse 14
व्यायामातिरिक्तो वायुः
स्वेदात्िरिक्ता मलता ।
अपूर्वचिन्तनादव्यक्ता
व्याधयो व्यायामजाः ॥
स्वेदात्िरिक्ता मलता ।
अपूर्वचिन्तनादव्यक्ता
व्याधयो व्यायामजाः ॥
vyāyāmāt irikta vāyuḥ
svedāt irikta malātā |
apūrva cintanād avyaktā
vyādhayo vyāyāma jāḥ ||
svedāt irikta malātā |
apūrva cintanād avyaktā
vyādhayo vyāyāma jāḥ ||
Excessive exertion in practice destroys the benefit of practice. Through excessive sweating, the loss of bodily substance occurs. When the mind thinks thoughts never contemplated before, obscure diseases arise from the practice itself.
Verse 15
नृत्यं गीतमथो नारी
अजीर्णमति भोजनम् ।
धातूनां क्षयकरं शीत
सर्वमेव विवर्जयेत् ॥
अजीर्णमति भोजनम् ।
धातूनां क्षयकरं शीत
सर्वमेव विवर्जयेत् ॥
nṛtyaṁ gītam atho nārī
ajīrṇam ati bhojanam |
dhātūnāṁ kṣay karaṁ śīta
sarvam eva vivarjayet ||
ajīrṇam ati bhojanam |
dhātūnāṁ kṣay karaṁ śīta
sarvam eva vivarjayet ||
The yogi should avoid dancing, singing, the company of women, indigestible food, and excessive cold. All of these cause the loss of the vital essences.
Verse 16
हठयोगसिद्धये वश्यः
कामात्सर्वं विवर्जयेत् ।
मोहात्सिद्ध्यास्तमाभ्यस्यं
योगं साधकः समाभ्यसेत् ॥
कामात्सर्वं विवर्जयेत् ।
मोहात्सिद्ध्यास्तमाभ्यस्यं
योगं साधकः समाभ्यसेत् ॥
haṭha yoga siddhye vaśyaḥ
kāmāt sarvaṁ vivarjayet |
mohāt siddhyāst amābhyasyaṁ
yogaṁ sādhkaḥ samābhyset ||
kāmāt sarvaṁ vivarjayet |
mohāt siddhyāst amābhyasyaṁ
yogaṁ sādhkaḥ samābhyset ||
The yogi must abandon all desires and practice hatha yoga with a devoted mind. Bewildered by passion, the yogi cannot accomplish the siddhas; therefore, the practitioner should practice yoga with keen attention.
III. The Asanas: Svastikasana through Simhasana
Verses 17–32 | Descriptions of the first group of asanas
Verse 17
अष्टादशासनानि
शिवेन कथितानि हि ।
तेषु मध्ये समाक्षेपं
चतुरस्रं शिवासनम् ॥
शिवेन कथितानि हि ।
तेषु मध्ये समाक्षेपं
चतुरस्रं शिवासनम् ॥
aṣṭādasāsananī
śivena kathitānī hi |
teṣu madhye samākṣepaṁ
chaturasraṁ śivāsanam ||
śivena kathitānī hi |
teṣu madhye samākṣepaṁ
chaturasraṁ śivāsanam ||
Shiva has described eighteen asanas. Among these, the one which is the best is called the asana of Shiva—which is called the svastika asana.
Verse 18
एकाग्रं तत्समं पादं
वामङ्घ्रौ मध्यभागतः ।
तथैव दक्षमुद्धृत्य
स्वस्तिकासनमुच्यते ॥
वामङ्घ्रौ मध्यभागतः ।
तथैव दक्षमुद्धृत्य
स्वस्तिकासनमुच्यते ॥
ekāgraṁ tat samaṁ pādaṁ
vāmaṅghroṁ madhya bhāgataḥ |
tathaiva dakṣam uddhṛty
svastikaāsanam ucyate ||
vāmaṅghroṁ madhya bhāgataḥ |
tathaiva dakṣam uddhṛty
svastikaāsanam ucyate ||
Placing one foot on the thigh of the opposite leg, and similarly placing the other foot, the position is called the svastika asana.
Verse 19
भद्रासनमिदं ज्ञेयं
योनिमध्येऽनुपीडयन् ।
पद्मावृता तु भद्रासनं
कण्ठमध्ये समाधिते ॥
योनिमध्येऽनुपीडयन् ।
पद्मावृता तु भद्रासनं
कण्ठमध्ये समाधिते ॥
bhadrāsanam idaṁ jñeyaṁ
yonimdhye'nupīḍayan |
padmāvṛtā tu bhadrāsanaṁ
kaṇṭhamadhye samādhite ||
yonimdhye'nupīḍayan |
padmāvṛtā tu bhadrāsanaṁ
kaṇṭhamadhye samādhite ||
The bhadra asana is known thus: pressing firmly on the perineum with the heel, place the other foot on top of the genitals. This is the bhadra asana, praised by the best yogis as the destroyer of disease.
Verse 20
सुखासनमिदं ज्ञेयमेकपादं
द्विपदेन परिवेष्टनम् ।
भद्रासनसमासनं योग्यं
सर्वासनेष्वनुत्तमम् ॥
द्विपदेन परिवेष्टनम् ।
भद्रासनसमासनं योग्यं
सर्वासनेष्वनुत्तमम् ॥
sukhāsanam idaṁ jñeyam eka pādaṁ
dvipadena parivestnam |
bhadrāsana samāsanaṁ yogyaṁ
sarvāsaneṣv anutt māṁ ||
dvipadena parivestnam |
bhadrāsana samāsanaṁ yogyaṁ
sarvāsaneṣv anutt māṁ ||
The sukha asana is this: place one foot on the thigh of the opposite leg, and the other foot upon the thigh of the first. This is the sukha asana, the best of all asanas, which bestows ease and lightness upon the body.
Verse 21
सर्वरोगविनाशीनि
सुखासनमतिप्रशस्तः ।
यद्यस्य पदसंस्पर्श
सुखासनमुच्यते परम् ॥
सुखासनमतिप्रशस्तः ।
यद्यस्य पदसंस्पर्श
सुखासनमुच्यते परम् ॥
sarva roga vināśinī
sukhāsanam ati praśasthaḥ |
yad ya sya pada saṁ spárś
sukhāsanam ucyate param ||
sukhāsanam ati praśasthaḥ |
yad ya sya pada saṁ spárś
sukhāsanam ucyate param ||
This asana destroys all diseases and relieves fatigue. Of all asanas, this is supreme, which is called the sukha asana.
Verse 22
अंगुष्ठयोरितरपादसङ्गम्य
उरुगणयोरपि मध्यतः क्षिपेत् ।
प्रसारिते बाहुयुगे ध्रुवं स्थितः
सिंहासनं तत्समतामुपागतः ॥
उरुगणयोरपि मध्यतः क्षिपेत् ।
प्रसारिते बाहुयुगे ध्रुवं स्थितः
सिंहासनं तत्समतामुपागतः ॥
angushṭayoḥ itara pāda sañgamya
uru gaṇayoḥ api madhyataḥ kṣipet |
prasārite bāhu yuge dhruvaṁ sthitaḥ
siṃh āsanaṁ tat samtām upāgataḥ ||
uru gaṇayoḥ api madhyataḥ kṣipet |
prasārite bāhu yuge dhruvaṁ sthitaḥ
siṃh āsanaṁ tat samtām upāgataḥ ||
Place the ankle of one foot against the other, stretch the legs out straight, and with a steady posture, spread the hands and hold the big toes. This is called the simhasana (lion pose), which releases energy through the entire body.
Verse 23
परिपूर्णद्वयुग्गत्या
सिंहासनसमोदितः ।
कुम्भकं धारयेद्धीरो
मुखान्निर्गमितं परम् ॥
सिंहासनसमोदितः ।
कुम्भकं धारयेद्धीरो
मुखान्निर्गमितं परम् ॥
pari pūrṇa dvayu ggtyā
siṃh āsana samōditaḥ |
kumbhakaṁ dhārayet dhīro
mukhān nirga mitaṁ param ||
siṃh āsana samōditaḥ |
kumbhakaṁ dhārayet dhīro
mukhān nirga mitaṁ param ||
In the simhasana, with the whole body firmly placed, the wise one should perform breath retention with the mouth slightly opened, breathing out with force.
Verse 24
सिंहासनं भद्रासनं
सुखासनमनुत्तमम् ।
एता यमासनाभिख्या
योगिनां सिद्धिकारणम् ॥
सुखासनमनुत्तमम् ।
एता यमासनाभिख्या
योगिनां सिद्धिकारणम् ॥
siṃh āsanaṁ bhadrāsanaṁ
sukhāsanam anutt māṁ |
etā yam āsanābhikhyā
yogināṁ siddhi kāraṇam ||
sukhāsanam anutt māṁ |
etā yam āsanābhikhyā
yogināṁ siddhi kāraṇam ||
The simhasana, the bhadra asana, and the sukha asana are the three asanas praised by yogis as causes of success.
Verse 25
आसनप्रभवस्यायं
योगस्य परिणामिका ।
सर्वेषु पञ्चविधेषु
आसनेषु समोदितः ॥
योगस्य परिणामिका ।
सर्वेषु पञ्चविधेषु
आसनेषु समोदितः ॥
āsana prabhva syāyaṁ
yogasy pariṇāmikā |
sarveṣu pañcha vidhéṣu
āsaneṣu samōditaḥ ||
yogasy pariṇāmikā |
sarveṣu pañcha vidhéṣu
āsaneṣu samōditaḥ ||
Of all the asanas arising from the practice, this yoga is the culmination. Among all the five hundred asanas, this is established to be the foremost.
Verse 26
आसनं सिद्धपद्मेन
योगिनां सिद्धिसंभवम् ।
स्थितस्यैकचरं पश्य
अष्टप्रह्रादः परम् ॥
योगिनां सिद्धिसंभवम् ।
स्थितस्यैकचरं पश्य
अष्टप्रह्रादः परम् ॥
āsanaṁ siddha padmena
yogināṁ siddhi saṁbhavam |
sthitasyaika charaṁ paśy
aṣṭa prāhradaḥ param ||
yogināṁ siddhi saṁbhavam |
sthitasyaika charaṁ paśy
aṣṭa prāhradaḥ param ||
The asana of the accomplished yogis, which is the cause of success, is the Siddha pose. Standing in this one asana, one becomes steady, and there is delight.
Verse 27
उभयापदमथाग्रयोः
स्कन्धयोरुपसञ्चयम् ।
विपरीतं कुशोरीणां
आसनं परमोदितः ॥
स्कन्धयोरुपसञ्चयम् ।
विपरीतं कुशोरीणां
आसनं परमोदितः ॥
ubhyāpadm athāgryoḥ
skandhayorupa sañchayam |
viparītaṁ kuśorīṇāṁ
āsanaṁ param ōdithaḥ ||
skandhayorupa sañchayam |
viparītaṁ kuśorīṇāṁ
āsanaṁ param ōdithaḥ ||
Place both feet upon the opposite thighs and press the toes against the shoulders. This is called the Viparita asana, which is described as supreme.
Verse 28
षट्कर्मणि च सर्वत्र
आसनं स्थितिदर्शनम् ।
योगीनां साधनप्रज्ञतः
आसनमुत्तमोदितः ॥
आसनं स्थितिदर्शनम् ।
योगीनां साधनप्रज्ञतः
आसनमुत्तमोदितः ॥
ṣaṭ karma ṇi cha sarvatra
āsanaṁ sthiti darśanm |
yogīnāṁ sādhna prājñtaḥ
āsanum uthm ōdithaḥ ||
āsanaṁ sthiti darśanm |
yogīnāṁ sādhna prājñtaḥ
āsanum uthm ōdithaḥ ||
In all the six purification practices, the standing asana is displayed. For yogis, the asana which is approved by the masters of practice is the supreme asana.
Verse 29
परिपूर्णचतुष्पञ्चे
आसने योगमण्डपे ।
सद्धिष्ठिते गुरुः शिष्य
उपविश्य परिष्ठिते ॥
आसने योगमण्डपे ।
सद्धिष्ठिते गुरुः शिष्य
उपविश्य परिष्ठिते ॥
pari pūrṇa chatus pañche
āsane yoga maṇḍape |
sad dhiṣṭhite guruḥ śiṣya
upaviśya pariṣṭhite ||
āsane yoga maṇḍape |
sad dhiṣṭhite guruḥ śiṣya
upaviśya pariṣṭhite ||
With perfect steadiness in an asana, in a place prepared for yoga, the guru and student sit properly, and the guru teaches the student.
Verse 30
पद्मासनाग्निसंयोगे
त्रिपञ्चाशद्धरा नराः ।
आसनं सिद्धिदायी च
द्वाद्शवर्षः समोदितः ॥
त्रिपञ्चाशद्धरा नराः ।
आसनं सिद्धिदायी च
द्वाद्शवर्षः समोदितः ॥
padmāsana agni saṁyogé
tri pañchāśad dharā narāḥ |
āsanaṁ siddhi dāyī cha
dvādshavarṣaḥ samōditaḥ ||
tri pañchāśad dharā narāḥ |
āsanaṁ siddhi dāyī cha
dvādshavarṣaḥ samōditaḥ ||
Through the union of the Padma asana and agni, men achieve their full measure. The asana that is the bestower of success takes twelve years to accomplish.
Verse 31
आसनातः प्रवर्तते
कायस्य सुखता परम् ।
आसनं सदृढं धीर
आरोहेदुपरि स्थितः ॥
कायस्य सुखता परम् ।
आसनं सदृढं धीर
आरोहेदुपरि स्थितः ॥
āsanātḥ pravartate
kāyasy sukhatā param |
āsanaṁ sa dṛdhaṁ dhīra
ārōhé dupari sthitaḥ ||
kāyasy sukhatā param |
āsanaṁ sa dṛdhaṁ dhīra
ārōhé dupari sthitaḥ ||
From the asana comes the perfect comfort of the body. The wise one should practice the asana firmly, standing steadily upon the earth.
Verse 32
आसनसिद्धिमारूढ
प्रश्वस्तचेतसो द्विजः ।
प्रकाशयते नवं पञ्चम
शक्तिं सर्वांश्च सन्ततिः ॥
प्रश्वस्तचेतसो द्विजः ।
प्रकाशयते नवं पञ्चम
शक्तिं सर्वांश्च सन्ततिः ॥
āsana siddhi mārūḍh
praśvas tachétasō dvjaḥ |
prakāśyate navaṁ pañchm
śaktiṁ sarvāṁś ch san tattiḥ ||
praśvas tachétasō dvjaḥ |
prakāśyate navaṁ pañchm
śaktiṁ sarvāṁś ch san tattiḥ ||
Having reached success in asana, the twice-born, with peaceful mind, manifests new and abundant power and energy throughout the entire body.
IV. The Asanas: Bhadrasana through Savasana
Verses 33–34 | Remaining asanas described
Verse 33
गोमुखासनमाख्यातं
महापीठमसंशयः ।
स्थितिर्विश्वमयी सिद्धि
सर्वव्याधीनिमार्जयते ॥
महापीठमसंशयः ।
स्थितिर्विश्वमयी सिद्धि
सर्वव्याधीनिमार्जयते ॥
gomukh āsanam ākhyātaṁ
mahā pīṭham asaṁśayaḥ |
sthitir viśvamyī siddhi
sarva vyādhīni mārajyate ||
mahā pīṭham asaṁśayaḥ |
sthitir viśvamyī siddhi
sarva vyādhīni mārajyate ||
The Gomukha asana, which is called the great seat, is known to be the supreme position. This wonderful position destroys all diseases.
Verse 34
शवासनमसंख्येयो
योगिनां परमेश्वरः ।
यत्र निश्चितचित्तेन
विश्रामं प्राप्नुते शिवः ॥
योगिनां परमेश्वरः ।
यत्र निश्चितचित्तेन
विश्रामं प्राप्नुते शिवः ॥
śavāsanam asaṁkhyéyo
yogināṁ paramé śvaraḥ |
yatra niśchit achitté na
viśrāmaṁ prāpnuté śivaḥ ||
yogināṁ paramé śvaraḥ |
yatra niśchit achitté na
viśrāmaṁ prāpnuté śivaḥ ||
The Savasana, the corpse pose, is praised by the foremost yogis. In this asana, with a peaceful mind, one attains complete rest.
V. Siddhasana
Verses 35–43 | Extended treatment of Siddhasana as the foremost asana
Verse 35
वामास्यपदमादाय
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
दक्षस्यापदमादाय
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ॥
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
दक्षस्यापदमादाय
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ॥
vāmāsy padamādāy
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
dakṣasyāpadamādāy
vāmasyōru samn vitm ||
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
dakṣasyāpadamādāy
vāmasyōru samn vitm ||
Placing the left heel against the perineum and the right foot on the left thigh, and then placing the right heel at the perineum and the left foot on the right thigh—this is the perfect Siddha asana.
Verse 36
वामास्यमपदं कृत्वा
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
दक्षस्यमपदं कृत्वा
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ॥
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
दक्षस्यमपदं कृत्वा
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ॥
vāmāsy amadaṁ kṛtvā
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
dakṣasyam padaṁ kṛtvā
vāmasyōru samn vitm ||
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
dakṣasyam padaṁ kṛtvā
vāmasyōru samn vitm ||
This is the Siddha asana—placing the left foot on the right thigh and pressing the left heel firmly into the perineum, and similarly placing the right foot on the left thigh, pressing the right heel firmly against the perineum.
Verse 37
सिद्धासनं समासीय
जाग्रदावस्थया स्थितः ।
नराणां सिद्धिसमयं
कालमायतनं हि तत् ॥
जाग्रदावस्थया स्थितः ।
नराणां सिद्धिसमयं
कालमायतनं हि तत् ॥
siddhāsanaṁ samāsīy
jāgrad āvasthyā sthitaḥ |
narāṇāṁ siddhi samyaṁ
kālam āyatanam hi tat ||
jāgrad āvasthyā sthitaḥ |
narāṇāṁ siddhi samyaṁ
kālam āyatanam hi tat ||
Sitting in the Siddha asana, with the mind alert and aware, the yogi attains perfect equilibrium and is established in the eternal now.
Verse 38
सिद्धासनमिदं ज्ञेयं
योगिनां सर्वसिद्धिदम् ।
एतस्मिन्सिद्धासने स्थित
आत्मा सर्वत्र वर्तते ॥
योगिनां सर्वसिद्धिदम् ।
एतस्मिन्सिद्धासने स्थित
आत्मा सर्वत्र वर्तते ॥
siddhāsanam idaṁ jñeyaṁ
yogināṁ sarva siddhi dam |
étasmin siddhāsane sthit
ātmā sarvatra vartaé ||
yogināṁ sarva siddhi dam |
étasmin siddhāsane sthit
ātmā sarvatra vartaé ||
This Siddha asana is known to be the source of all perfection for yogis. Established in this asana, the soul is everywhere present.
Verse 39
एकपदं हरेः स्थानं
द्वयोर्विप्रतिषेधनम् ।
सिद्धासनं महायोगी
परमञ्चैकमूर्तिना ॥
द्वयोर्विप्रतिषेधनम् ।
सिद्धासनं महायोगी
परमञ्चैकमूर्तिना ॥
eka padaṁ hareḥ sthānaṁ
dvayor viprat iṣedhanam |
siddhāsanaṁ mahā yogī
paramañchaikamuūrtinā ||
dvayor viprat iṣedhanam |
siddhāsanaṁ mahā yogī
paramañchaikamuūrtinā ||
The Siddha asana is praised as the supreme among all asanas. In this single posture is revealed the very form of Shiva himself.
Verse 40
यदा सर्वत्र सर्वेषु
हठयोगे समाहितः ।
सिद्धासने तदा योगी
ब्रह्मज्ञानमवाप्नुयात् ॥
हठयोगे समाहितः ।
सिद्धासने तदा योगी
ब्रह्मज्ञानमवाप्नुयात् ॥
yadā sarvatra sarveṣu
haṭha yogé samāhitaḥ |
siddhāsané tadā yogī
brahma jñānam avāpnuyāt ||
haṭha yogé samāhitaḥ |
siddhāsané tadā yogī
brahma jñānam avāpnuyāt ||
When the yogi is completely absorbed in the practice of hatha yoga in the Siddha asana, he attains the knowledge of Brahman.
Verse 41
मानुषाणां यथाकारः
योगसाधनमुदितः ।
सिद्धासने प्रतिष्ठेय
सर्वो योगः प्रवर्तते ॥
योगसाधनमुदितः ।
सिद्धासने प्रतिष्ठेय
सर्वो योगः प्रवर्तते ॥
mānuṣāṇāṁ yathā kāraḥ
yoga sādhnam uditaḥ |
siddhāsané pratiṣṭhéy
sarvo yogaḥ pravartate ||
yoga sādhnam uditaḥ |
siddhāsané pratiṣṭhéy
sarvo yogaḥ pravartate ||
Just as the practice of yoga is described for men, so is the Siddha asana established. All yoga is accomplished through this asana.
Verse 42
सिद्धासने स्थितो योगी
प्राणायामं निरन्तरम् ।
द्वादशवर्षेण सिद्धो
भवति सर्वसिद्धिदः ॥
प्राणायामं निरन्तरम् ।
द्वादशवर्षेण सिद्धो
भवति सर्वसिद्धिदः ॥
siddhāsané sthitō yogī
prāṇāyāmaṁ nirantaram |
dvādashavarṣeṇa siddho
bhavati sarva siddhidḥ ||
prāṇāyāmaṁ nirantaram |
dvādashavarṣeṇa siddho
bhavati sarva siddhidḥ ||
The yogi established in the Siddha asana, practicing pranayama continuously, becomes perfected in twelve years and gains all supernatural powers.
Verse 43
सिद्धासनात्परं नास्ति
यद्वा पद्मासनादपि ।
सर्वासनेष्वतिश्रेष्ठं
सिद्धासनमुचिष्यते ॥
यद्वा पद्मासनादपि ।
सर्वासनेष्वतिश्रेष्ठं
सिद्धासनमुचिष्यते ॥
siddhāsanāt paraṁ nāsti
yad vā padmāsanād api |
sarvāsaneṣv atiśreṣṭhaṁ
siddhāsanam ucishyaté ||
yad vā padmāsanād api |
sarvāsaneṣv atiśreṣṭhaṁ
siddhāsanam ucishyaté ||
There is nothing higher than the Siddha asana, and the Padma asana is not even comparable to it. The Siddha asana is declared to be the supreme among all asanas.
VI. Padmasana
Verses 44–49 | Padmasana description and benefits
Verse 44
एकपादमुरुष्ठानं
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
तथैव दक्षपादं तु
वामेनोर्वा समन्वितम् ॥
वामस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
तथैव दक्षपादं तु
वामेनोर्वा समन्वितम् ॥
eka pādam uruṣṭhānaṁ
vāmasyōru samn vitm |
tathaiva dakṣa pādaṁ tu
vāmen ōrvā samn vitm ||
vāmasyōru samn vitm |
tathaiva dakṣa pādaṁ tu
vāmen ōrvā samn vitm ||
Place the right foot upon the left thigh, and the left foot upon the right thigh. This is the Padma asana, the destroyer of all disease.
Verse 45
वामपादमुरुष्ठानं
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
तथैव वामपादं तु
दक्षेनोर्वा समन्वितम् ॥
दक्षस्योरु समन्वितम् ।
तथैव वामपादं तु
दक्षेनोर्वा समन्वितम् ॥
vāma pādam uruṣṭhānaṁ
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
tathaiva vāma pādaṁ tu
dakṣen ōrvā samn vitm ||
dakṣasyōru samn vitm |
tathaiva vāma pādaṁ tu
dakṣen ōrvā samn vitm ||
Place the left foot upon the right thigh, and the right foot upon the left thigh. This is also called the Padma asana.
Verse 46
पद्मासने तु संस्थाय
प्राणायामकमाभ्यसेत् ।
चतुर्णामपि वर्षाणां
मुक्तिलाभः सुनिश्चितः ॥
प्राणायामकमाभ्यसेत् ।
चतुर्णामपि वर्षाणां
मुक्तिलाभः सुनिश्चितः ॥
padmāsané tu saṁ sthāy
prāṇāyāma kamābhyaset |
chaturṇām api varṣāṇāṁ
mukti lābhaḥ suniśchitaḥ ||
prāṇāyāma kamābhyaset |
chaturṇām api varṣāṇāṁ
mukti lābhaḥ suniśchitaḥ ||
Practicing in the Padma asana and performing pranayama, after four years one attains liberation with certainty.
Verse 47
पद्मासने नरः स्थेयं
प्राणायामेषु निःश्रुतः ।
चतुर्वर्षान्वयां गत्वा
सर्वान्व्याधीन्निरस्यते ॥
प्राणायामेषु निःश्रुतः ।
चतुर्वर्षान्वयां गत्वा
सर्वान्व्याधीन्निरस्यते ॥
padmāsané naraḥ sthéyaṁ
prāṇāyāmeṣu niḥ śrutaḥ |
chatur varṣānv yāṁ gatvā
sarvān vyādhīn niras yate ||
prāṇāyāmeṣu niḥ śrutaḥ |
chatur varṣānv yāṁ gatvā
sarvān vyādhīn niras yate ||
A man standing in the Padma asana and engaged in pranayama practice will, after the passage of four years, be freed from all disease.
Verse 48
पद्मासनेन शरीरेण
मुखम्पक्वं न विद्यते ।
कण्ठे बद्धायमानी च
प्राणाः सर्वे निवर्तते ॥
मुखम्पक्वं न विद्यते ।
कण्ठे बद्धायमानी च
प्राणाः सर्वे निवर्तते ॥
padmāsanéna śarīréṇa
mukham pakvam na vidyate |
kaṇṭhé baddhāyamānī cha
prāṇāḥ sarve nivartaté ||
mukham pakvam na vidyate |
kaṇṭhé baddhāyamānī cha
prāṇāḥ sarve nivartaté ||
Through the Padma asana, no trace of old age appears on the face. The breath is controlled, and all winds are restrained.
Verse 49
सर्वव्याधीनिशान्तिर्च
पद्मासनप्रभावतः ।
न कोपि चिकित्सकः पद्मा
रोगनाशनकारणम् ॥
पद्मासनप्रभावतः ।
न कोपि चिकित्सकः पद्मा
रोगनाशनकारणम् ॥
sarva vyādhīni śāntir cha
padmāsana prabhāvataḥ |
na kopi chikitskaḥ padmā
rōga nāśana kāraṇam ||
padmāsana prabhāvataḥ |
na kopi chikitskaḥ padmā
rōga nāśana kāraṇam ||
The destruction of all diseases comes from the power of the Padma asana. No physician is equal to the Padma asana for the removal of disease.
VII. Other Asanas & Summary
Verses 50–55 | Additional asanas and Matsyendra's teaching
Verse 50
मत्स्येन्द्रासनमित्येतद्
योगासनमुदाहृतम् ।
पद्मासनसमः शक्तिः
सिद्ध्या पूर्वसमोत्कृष्टः ॥
योगासनमुदाहृतम् ।
पद्मासनसमः शक्तिः
सिद्ध्या पूर्वसमोत्कृष्टः ॥
matsyendra āsana mit yetad
yoga āsanam udāhṛtam |
padmāsana samaḥ śaktiḥ
siddhyā pūrva sam ōtkṛṣṭḥ ||
yoga āsanam udāhṛtam |
padmāsana samaḥ śaktiḥ
siddhyā pūrva sam ōtkṛṣṭḥ ||
The Matsyendra asana is named after the great Matsyendra. Equal in power to the Padma asana, and surpassing it in its earlier attainment of perfection, it is the foremost of all asanas.
Verse 51
पद्मासनं यदा कृत्वा
मत्स्येन्द्रो महायोगी ।
वर्षाणां शतमभ्यस्य
सिद्धो भूत्वा महायशः ॥
मत्स्येन्द्रो महायोगी ।
वर्षाणां शतमभ्यस्य
सिद्धो भूत्वा महायशः ॥
padmāsanaṁ yadā kṛtvā
matsyendra mahā yogī |
varṣāṇāṁ śatam abhyasy
siddho bhūtvā mahā yaśaḥ ||
matsyendra mahā yogī |
varṣāṇāṁ śatam abhyasy
siddho bhūtvā mahā yaśaḥ ||
When the great Matsyendra held the Padma asana, practicing it for a hundred years, he became perfected and renowned throughout the world.
Verse 52
आसनानि समाख्यातं
युक्तिरीष्टं च शिष्यते ।
अष्टचक्रे समं नाडीं
बोधयन्तः स्वयोषितः ॥
युक्तिरीष्टं च शिष्यते ।
अष्टचक्रे समं नाडीं
बोधयन्तः स्वयोषितः ॥
āsanānī samākhyātaṁ
yukti īṣṭaṁ cha śiṣyate |
aṣṭa chakré samaṁ nāḍīṁ
bōdhayantaḥ sva yōṣitaḥ ||
yukti īṣṭaṁ cha śiṣyate |
aṣṭa chakré samaṁ nāḍīṁ
bōdhayantaḥ sva yōṣitaḥ ||
The asanas have been taught, and now the methods are explained. Through the practice of these asanas, the eight chakras are awakened, and the nadi is brought into harmony with the universal consciousness.
Verse 53
अष्टचत्वारिंशदासनं
कृत्वा नृपतेः कृते ।
शिवेन सुदृढमूलस्य
नृत्यमध्ये समोदितः ॥
कृत्वा नृपतेः कृते ।
शिवेन सुदृढमूलस्य
नृत्यमध्ये समोदितः ॥
aṣṭa chatvāriṁ śad āsanaṁ
kṛtvā nṛpateḥ kṛté |
śivena sudrḍh hamūlasy
nṛtyam adhyé samōditaḥ ||
kṛtvā nṛpateḥ kṛté |
śivena sudrḍh hamūlasy
nṛtyam adhyé samōditaḥ ||
Shiva has taught eighty-four asanas for the benefit of the ruler. Among these, he danced, showing the stable foundation of each asana.
Verse 54
तेषु भूयांश्च अप्रायेण
योगिनामास्या च्यवते ।
कथं नियोगो भवनं
शरीरे प्रकटीकृते ॥
योगिनामास्या च्यवते ।
कथं नियोगो भवनं
शरीरे प्रकटीकृते ॥
teṣu bhūyāṁś cha aprāyeṇa
yoginām āsyā chyavate |
kathaṁ niyōgō bhavanaṁ
śarīré prakataīkṛte ||
yoginām āsyā chyavate |
kathaṁ niyōgō bhavanaṁ
śarīré prakataīkṛte ||
Among these, the majority are beyond the capacity of ordinary yogis to practice. Why speak of dwelling in the body when the very foundation fails to manifest?
Verse 55
न तेषु साधकः सिद्धिं
प्रपञ्च उपयुज्यते ।
तस्मादासनै सर्वथा
मुखं प्राप्नुवते स्वयम् ॥
प्रपञ्च उपयुज्यते ।
तस्मादासनै सर्वथा
मुखं प्राप्नुवते स्वयम् ॥
na teṣu sādhkaḥ siddhiṁ
prapañcha upayujyate |
tasmād āsanaai sarvthā
mukhaṁ prāpnuvate svyam ||
prapañcha upayujyate |
tasmād āsanaai sarvthā
mukhaṁ prāpnuvate svyam ||
The practitioner cannot gain perfection through all of them. Therefore, the practice of asanas naturally leads to the goal itself.
VIII. Diet & Lifestyle
Verses 56–67 | Mitahara (moderate diet), foods to eat and avoid, guidelines for the yogi
Verse 56
मिताहारः प्रशस्तस्य
योगस्य सुमहत्फलम् ।
न मिताहारिणो देहे
रोगो जायते कदाचन ॥
योगस्य सुमहत्फलम् ।
न मिताहारिणो देहे
रोगो जायते कदाचन ॥
mitāhāraḥ praśastasya
yogasy su mahat phalam |
na mitāhāriṇō dehe
rōgō jāyate kadāchna ||
yogasy su mahat phalam |
na mitāhāriṇō dehe
rōgō jāyate kadāchna ||
Moderate diet is praised as the most beneficial for yoga. Disease never arises in the body of one who eats temperately.
Verse 57
मिताहारः कथं ज्ञेयः
पञ्चाङ्गुलमध्यतः ।
अमृतं पञ्चाङ्गुलं हि
तदनन्तरमन्तिकम् ॥
पञ्चाङ्गुलमध्यतः ।
अमृतं पञ्चाङ्गुलं हि
तदनन्तरमन्तिकम् ॥
mitāhāraḥ kathaṁ jñeyaḥ
pañchāṅgulam adhyataḥ |
amṛtaṁ pañchāṅgulaṁ hi
tad anantaram antikaṁ ||
pañchāṅgulam adhyataḥ |
amṛtaṁ pañchāṅgulaṁ hi
tad anantaram antikaṁ ||
Moderate eating is thus defined: fill the stomach three-quarters with food, and one-quarter with water. The space remaining is for movement of breath. This is moderate diet.
Verse 58
परिशेषं समपैयां
व्याधयः क्षीणशक्तयः ।
जयन्ते व्यायामसीदन्तं
युवानं न जरायते ॥
व्याधयः क्षीणशक्तयः ।
जयन्ते व्यायामसीदन्तं
युवानं न जरायते ॥
pari śeṣaṁ sama paiyāṁ
vyādhayḥ kṣīna śaktayḥ |
jayante vyāyāma sīdantaṁ
yuvānaṁ na jarāyate ||
vyādhayḥ kṣīna śaktayḥ |
jayante vyāyāma sīdantaṁ
yuvānaṁ na jarāyate ||
Diseases of deficiency are conquered by the one who eats temperately. Old age does not overtake the one who practises yoga diligently. The weak become strong through consistent practice.
Verse 59
अन्नं पयः खीरमण्डूकं
घृतं तैलं गुडोद्भवम् ।
खजूरीणि फलानीह
योगिने मितभोजने ॥
घृतं तैलं गुडोद्भवम् ।
खजूरीणि फलानीह
योगिने मितभोजने ॥
annaṁ payaḥ khīram aṇḍūkaṁ
ghṛtaṁ tailaṁ guḍōdbhvam |
khajūrīṇi phalānīha
yoginé mita bhōjane ||
ghṛtaṁ tailaṁ guḍōdbhvam |
khajūrīṇi phalānīha
yoginé mita bhōjane ||
For the yogi eating in moderation, rice, milk, ghee, butter, sugar, dates, fruits—these are all pure and nutritious foods. The yogi should eat the best of foods, prepared cleanly.
Verse 60
मधुरं भक्ष्यमाहारं
वयं चञ्चलमोदन ।
गुड़स्य मधुराणां च
भक्ष्यमोदन सर्वदा ॥
वयं चञ्चलमोदन ।
गुड़स्य मधुराणां च
भक्ष्यमोदन सर्वदा ॥
madhuraṁ bhakṣyam āhāraṁ
vayaṁ chañchalam ōdan |
guḍasy madhuarāṇāṁ cha
bhakṣyam ōdan sarvadā ||
vayaṁ chañchalam ōdan |
guḍasy madhuarāṇāṁ cha
bhakṣyam ōdan sarvadā ||
Sweet foods are nourishing. The yogi should eat sweet foods. Honey, sugar cane, dates, milk—these are the foods most recommended for the yogi.
Verse 61
अन्नं भयं च कटुकं
तिक्तमम्लं तथैव च ।
लवणं नवनीतं च
त्यजन्ते योगिनः क्वचित् ॥
तिक्तमम्लं तथैव च ।
लवणं नवनीतं च
त्यजन्ते योगिनः क्वचित् ॥
annaṁ bhayaṁ cha kaṭukaṁ
tiktam amlaṁ tathaiva cha |
lavanaṁ nava nītaṁ cha
tyajante yoginaḥ kva chit ||
tiktam amlaṁ tathaiva cha |
lavanaṁ nava nītaṁ cha
tyajante yoginaḥ kva chit ||
Hot, bitter, sour, salty, and pungent foods should be avoided. The yogi should abstain from these. Sour, bitter, and astringent foods are injurious to the practice of yoga.
Verse 62
चवर्णं पदं च्व्य्यञ्जनं
यव्य धान्यंमूलकं ।
शाकञ्च क्षीरमस्थीनि
विषस्य समता स्मृते ॥
यव्य धान्यंमूलकं ।
शाकञ्च क्षीरमस्थीनि
विषस्य समता स्मृते ॥
chavarṇaṁ padaṁ chvyañjanaṁ
yavy dhānyaṁ mūlakaṁ |
śākaññ ch kṣīram asthīni
viṣasy samatā smṛte ||
yavy dhānyaṁ mūlakaṁ |
śākaññ ch kṣīram asthīni
viṣasy samatā smṛte ||
Garlic, onions, and other pungent vegetables are like poison to the yogic practice. The yogi must avoid these completely as if they were deadly poison.
Verse 63
तड़ागे छन्नभोजने
योगीनां निषिद्धते ।
एकैकरात्रे भोजने
योगाभ्यासे दृढां गतिः ॥
योगीनां निषिद्धते ।
एकैकरात्रे भोजने
योगाभ्यासे दृढां गतिः ॥
taḍāgé chhana bhōjané
yogīnāṁ niṣiddhate |
ékaikarātre bhōjané
yogābhyāse dṛdhāṁ gatiḥ ||
yogīnāṁ niṣiddhate |
ékaikarātre bhōjané
yogābhyāse dṛdhāṁ gatiḥ ||
Food from wells and ponds is forbidden to the yogi. Eating only once a day gives the yogi firm stability in practice.
Verse 64
अरण्यवास यचरणं
भिक्षायाग्निसंयुते ।
अन्तरङ्गमध्यभगवान्
योगी निर्वाणलीलयते ॥
भिक्षायाग्निसंयुते ।
अन्तरङ्गमध्यभगवान्
योगी निर्वाणलीलयते ॥
araṇya vās yacharaṇaṁ
bhikṣāyā agni saṁyute |
antara ṅgam adhya bhagavān
yogī nirvāṇa līlayaté ||
bhikṣāyā agni saṁyute |
antara ṅgam adhya bhagavān
yogī nirvāṇa līlayaté ||
Living in solitude, the yogi accepts food offered by others in alms. Inwardly united with the Divine, the yogi enjoys the bliss of liberation even while embodied.
Verse 65
न पञ्चनद्या पीयन्ते
पञ्चविषैरिव स्मृते ।
गङ्गानीरमनोहारि
तक्रं पीयाद्विषघ्निके ॥
पञ्चविषैरिव स्मृते ।
गङ्गानीरमनोहारि
तक्रं पीयाद्विषघ्निके ॥
na pañcha nadyā pīyante
pañcha viṣair iva smṛte |
gaṅgā nīram anō hāri
takraṁ pīyād viṣa ghnike ||
pañcha viṣair iva smṛte |
gaṅgā nīram anō hāri
takraṁ pīyād viṣa ghnike ||
The five rivers (the body's five currents) should not be drunk from, as they are like five poisons. Let the yogi drink only water from sacred rivers or clean water.
Verse 66
काङ्क्षाविमुक्तचेतसो
योगी संपद्यते भवान् ।
न विषयेषु संरक्तो
न विषयेषु विद्वेषी ॥
योगी संपद्यते भवान् ।
न विषयेषु संरक्तो
न विषयेषु विद्वेषी ॥
kāṅkṣā vimukt chétasō
yogī sampadyate bhvān |
na viṣayeṣu saṁ rakto
na viṣayeṣu vidveṣī ||
yogī sampadyate bhvān |
na viṣayeṣu saṁ rakto
na viṣayeṣu vidveṣī ||
The yogi whose mind is free from longing attains perfection and peace. Neither attached to worldly objects nor averse to them, the yogi remains in perfect balance.
Verse 67
इत्येतत्सर्वमाख्यातं
हठयोगप्रदीपिका ।
स्वात्मारामेण कृत्स्नश्च
प्रथमोपदेशः स्मृतः ॥
हठयोगप्रदीपिका ।
स्वात्मारामेण कृत्स्नश्च
प्रथमोपदेशः स्मृतः ॥
ity etat sarvam ākhyātaṁ
haṭha yoga pradīpikā |
svātmārāmeṇa krtsnaśch
prathamō padéšaḥ smṛtaḥ ||
haṭha yoga pradīpikā |
svātmārāmeṇa krtsnaśch
prathamō padéšaḥ smṛtaḥ ||
Thus the complete first chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Light on Hatha Yoga, has been explained by Svātmārāma. This is the first part of the teaching.