INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Bi-Monthly Peer Reviewed International Journal

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1 p-issn e-issn Vol-3 / Issue - 3 / May - June Free Full I J A A M INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Bi-Monthly Peer Reviewed International Journal

2 REVIEW ARTICLE eissn & Impact Factor (2014) by International Scientific Indexing (ISI) UAE REVIEW ON HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA - AN AUTHORITATIVE TEXT ON YOGA Rajendra Singh Ranawat 1*, Veena Agarwal 2, Vishal Kumar Sharma 3, Pavan Kumar Sharma 4 1. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, BPSMV, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India, Contact No , raj007ranawat@gmail.com 2. Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, BPSMV, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India. 3. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Basic Principles, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, BPSMV, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India. 4. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, Govt. Ayurveda College, Gwalior, MP, India. Article Received on - 5 th June 2015 Article Revised on - 18 th July 2015 Article Accepted on - 28 th July 2015 All articles published in IJAAM are peer-reviewed and can be downloaded, printed and distributed freely for non commercial purpose (see copyright notice below). (Full Text Page IJAAM This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( which permits unrestricted non commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

3 REVIEW ARTICLE eissn & REVIEW ON HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA - AN AUTHORITATIVE TEXT ON YOGA *Corresponding Author Rajendra Singh Ranawat Assistant Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, BPSMV, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India, Contact No , raj007ranawat@gmail.com QR Code IJAAM ABSTRACT: Yoga is a branch of ancient Indian philosophy among Shad Darshan and sister concern of Sankhya Darshan. Hatha Yoga Pradipika is an authoritative text on Hatha Yoga, written by Swami Swatmaram Yogi. It is the oldest surviving text on Hatha Yoga, written possibly in 15 th century CE by Swatmaram Yogi. It is complete, comprehensive and detailed descriptive text along with knowledge of Raja Yoga too, but emphasis of the text is upon Hatha Yoga and Hatha Yoga is mentioned as the path of Raja Yoga. Swatmarama Yogi has named the chapters of the text as Upadesha. Text is complete in itself with four chapters. Present paper will highlight the important contributions of this text and its relevance in present era. Key Words: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga INTRODUCTION Yoga is a branch of ancient Indian philosophy among Shad Darshan and sister concern of Sankhya Darshan. Yoga is a science which believes in Soul, God along with materialistic world. Etymologically the work Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yujira' meaning to unite, to combine or to integrate and thus may be taken to mean a state of union or integration i.e. the union of the individual soul or consciousness with the Cosmic, Divine or Supreme Soul or Consciousness or a total integration of the physical, mental, intellectual and the spiritual aspects of the human personality. Yoga is also used to refer to the ways, methods and practices adopted consciously by the votaries of Yoga to attain this ultimate objective or even intermediate goals. Yoga constitutes eightfold methods, processes or steps by which one can achieve mental purity and harmony [1]. They are 1. Abstention (Yama) 2. Observances (Niyama) 3. Yogic postures (Yogasanas) 4. Yogic Breathing Practices (Pranayamas) 5. Concentration (Pratyahara) 6. Fixed Attention (Dharana) 7. Meditation (Dhyana) 8. Absolute Contemplation (Samadhi) Hatha Yoga Pradipika is an authoritative text on Hatha Yoga, written by Swami Swatmaram Yogi. It is complete, comprehensive and detailed descriptive text along with knowledge of Raja Yoga too, but emphasis of the text is upon Hatha Yoga and Hatha Yoga is mentioned as the path of Raja Yoga. Hatha is the basis of Raja Yoga Hatha being the dynamic and preparatory aspect while raja Yoga is the culminating stage. Raja Yoga is simply another term for Samadhi, the stateless state in which the individual consciousness has completely dissolved into the universal consciousness [2]. About the author, period and chapters Author - Hatha Yoga Pradipika was written by Swatmarama Yogi. Second verse of the first chapter clearly indicates the author of this text as Swatarama Yogi. He was son of Sahajananda and a disciple of Swami Gorakhnath [3]. Period - Hatha Yoga Pradipika is the oldest surviving text on Hatha Yoga, written possibly in 15 th century CE by Swatmarama Yogi. The mostwidely cited and quoted text on Yoga, Patanjali s Yoga Sutras, was written several centuries earlier [4]. Book and chapters - Swatmarama Yogi has dedicated Hatha Yoga Pradipika to his teacher Shri Guru Nathji at second verse of the first chapter. The text is written in Sanskrit language and in Padya (poetic verses) form throughout. It is an aid for those who wish to learn the advanced practice of Hatha (Kundalini) Yoga from a qualified teacher. The book contains four chapters. In all, the text contains 390 verses (floras). Out of these, about forty deal with Asanas, approximately one hundred and ten with Pranayama, one hundred and fifty with Mudras, Bandhas and Shatkarmas and the rest with Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is divided into four parts. The first explains Yamas (restraints on Page149

4 behaviour), Niyamas (observances), Asanas (posture) and food. The second describes Pranayama (control or restraint of energy), and the Shatkarmas (internal cleansing practices). The third deals with Mudras (seals), Bandhas (locks), the Nadis (channels of energy through which Prana flows) and the Kundalini power. The fourth expounds Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). The purpose of Hatha Yoga is to give the knowledge of controlling the two energies "Ha" and "Tha" (Prana and Apana). Hatha Yoga is a practical way to control the mind (Raja Yoga) through control of the Prana (vital force). Editor, Publisher and commentaries - The book is written by Swatmarama Yogi and published by Lala Shyam Lal Heera Lal Publishers, printed by Shyam Kashi Press, Mathura. This particular edition has been taken into consideration for writing this article, which includes the commentary named as Prabha written by Giriraj Shastri. Jyotsna Sanskrit commentary on Hatha Yoga Pradipika is written by Bhrahmananda and English translation and commentary written by Swami Muktibodhananda. No other commentaries are available on this text [5]. Contents of text - Swatmarama Yogi has named the chapters of the text as Upadesha. Because he believes that the knowledge has come from Guru- Disciple lineage so the matter of text is in form of speech which provides the capacity and knowledge to guidance regarding Yoga, its types, procedures and benefits as well. Total 4 Upadeshas (chapters) are available in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which are written in a particular sequence essential for Yogic outcomes (Sidhhi). The text is sound as far as its grammatical and literary aspects are concerned, which reveals the author s great spirit in literary display. A list of contents of chapters of Hatha Yoga Pradipika is placed below for detailed information. Prathamopadesha- 1 st chapter commences with salutation to Adinath (Lord Shiva) who transmitted the knowledge of Hatha Yoga to Goddess Parvati. Next verse is written to salute towards his teacher Shree Gurunath. Hatha Yoga is said as necessary to achieve Raja Yoga in next verse. Author then appreciates the Hatha Vidya (knowledge) and reveres the names of 32 Maha Siddhas. He mentions Hatha Yoga as the base of the entire creature. The text describes the conditions necessary for the practice of Hatha Yoga followed by secrecy of the knowledge until the disciple is not ready. This chapter also contains description about a peaceful place without distractions or concerns for physical safety. In this sequence he indicates that the yogi perishes by six causes: overeating, over exertion due to hard physical labour, too much talk, and the observance of unsuitable vows, promiscuous company and unsteadiness. He succeeds through cheerfulness, perseverance, courage, true knowledge, firm belief in the words of the guru and by abandoning unsuitable company. Author then describes the Asanas as first stage of Hatha Yoga and follows to describe the practice of Swastikasana, Gomukhasana, Veerasana, Koormasana, Kukkutasana, Uttana Koormasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyendrasana and its benefits, Paschimottanasana and its benefits, Mayoorasana and its benefits and Shavasana with objects as well. He describes that Lord Shiva mentioned eightyfour Asanas but that the most important four are Siddhasana, Padmasana, Simhasana and Bhadrasana. Among these four, the most comfortable and excellent is Siddhasana which purifies the 72,000 Nadis. Siddhasana is also known by synonyms as Vajrasana, Muktasana and Guptasana. The first chapter also contains detailed description of Padmasana and Padmasana according to Matsyendranath along with importance of practice this asana. The next matter of the chapter is Simhasana which facilitates the three Bandhas (muscular locks applied during breathing in order to direct the Prana) followed by Bhadrasana which is considered as destroyer of all ills. The author further reveals sequence of Hatha practice and observes a moderate diet and practice for Yoga practitioners along with regimen to be followed and avoid i.e. taking pleasant and sweet food and leaving one quarter of the stomach free and spicy, sour, salty or stale food should be avoided. In this chapter he states that Siddhis (psychic powers) are obtained only by practice, not by the idle, or mere theoretical reading. At the end of the chapter Swatmarama advises to practice these Hatha Yoga procedures until achievement of Raja Yoga. Dvitiyopadesha - Chapter two describes Pranayama in detail. The second verse of this chapter is to explain the objectives of Pranayama. Consequently the author has mentioned Mala Shodhak Pramayama and its types. The Pradipika states that when the breath wanders, the mind is also unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind. It describes left and right nostril breathing, and Kumbhaka (retention), Puraka (inhalation) and Rechaka (exhalation), which helps purify the Nadis. The performer should perform Kumbhakas four times a day and increase the number performed as he gets more practiced. Swatmarama Page150

5 has also stated the Nadi purification symptoms along with diet regimen during Pranayama practice. Shatkarmas are the next part of this chapter. These Karmas are suggested for people having obese and phlegmatic constitution to purify the body. These are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Tratak, Nauli and Kapalabhati, which involve passing string through the orifices of the head, or purifying the intestines and stomach by vomiting or drawing up water through the anus. The author of Pradipika furtherly describes Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock) and Mula Bandha (anus contraction) and the eight different kinds of Kumbhakas (Ashtavidha Kumbhaka). These are Suryabhedani, Ujjayi, Shitali, Sitkri, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Moorcha and Plavini. After detailed description of Kumbhaka, author has declared Hatha Yoga as a path of Raja Yoga. The signs of perfection in Hatha Yoga are: the body becomes lean, the speech eloquent, the inner sounds are distinctly heard, the eyes are clear and bright, the body is freed of all diseases, the seminal fluid is concentrated, the digestive fire is increased and the Nadis are purified. Tritiyopadesha - The third chapter starts with description about awakening Kundalini ('Serpent Power'), the primordial cosmic energy located in the individual and it is base of all Yoga procedures according to Pradipika. The next two verses states importance of awakening Kundalini. After mentioning the synonyms of Sushumna Nadi, the author has directed to practice the various Mudras (seals) and the ten Mudras that destroy old age and death are listed. Maha Mudra is described, with the benefits being robust digestion of all foods, even poison. Maha bandha is then detailed, which unites the Nadis, frees one from Time (death) and enables the mind to reach its mystic centre. Maha Vedha is covered which fends off old age. The Pradipika describes Khechari where the tongue is gradually cut (where the membrane connects the tongue to the lower mouth) and milked (with powdered salt and turmeric) over six months, with the objective of performing Khechari Mudra where the tongue is turned back to the hole in the palate this helps the mind move in space. detail. Viparita Karani is also described with its importance. Then author lead into a description of the 'Vajrauli procedure and benefits, which allows one to manipulate the Kundalini. Raja Yoga (psychological involvement) is essential in practicing Mudras to obtain the Siddhis and teacher is admirable, who teaches the knowledge of Mudras according to Pradipika. Chaturtopadesha - Fourth chapter starts with Manglacharan. This chapter is devoted to Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is concerned with mind and controls mind. After Manglacharan author has mentioned synonyms and sequence of Samadhi, the state of eternal bliss. According to author Hatha Yoga is necessary for Raja Yoga and liberation. This chapter contains method of adding Prana and mind (Laya Yoga) along with its form. There are 72,000 Nadis (Channels of energy) of which the central one is the Sushumna. When the practitioner masters the restraint of his breath and the Prana flows through the Sushumna, emancipation is obtained. Laya Yoga (absorption of the mind) ensues, when the yogi experiences the Truth in the form of resplendent light, which is the source of all things. Consequently author describes Mudras (figures) like Shambhavi Mudra, Unmani Mudra and Khechari Mudra. Swatmarama tells how one can attain Nada. Nada is where the yogi listens with a concentrated mind to the sounds within. Nada consists of four stages. First in Arambha Avastha sweet tinkling sounds arising from the Anahata chakra that is in the middle of the body are heard and then in second stage Ghata Avashta, the Prana becomes one and enters the middle chakra. The third stage is Parichaya Avastha. Parichaya Avastha have phenomenon of the hearing of sounds like a drum in the space lying between the eyebrows. The fourth stage is called as Nishpatti Avastha and sounds of flute are heard in it. The final portion of the text incorporates the benefits of practicing the Nada Laya and reaching Samadhi (Absolute Contemplation) through Pratyahara (Concentration), Dharana (Fixed Attention) and Dhyana (Meditation). Samadhi is utmost goal of the life in which Yogi is not to be affected by death or Karma (deeds) along with the results. At last the author declares that the Yogi (performer of Raja Yoga) only have right to attain knowledge according to this text. Page151 Uddiyana Bandha (flying lock)and then Mula Bandha which unites Prana and Apana, heats the body and awakens the Kundalini along with the benefits of these three Bandhas, has described in DISCUSSION Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a complete text on Yoga and was written by Swatmarama Yogi possibly in 15 th century after several centuries of Patanjali s

6 Yoga Sutra. The text is written in Sanskrit language and in Padya (poetic verses) form throughout. The book contains four chapters named as Upadesh. In all, the text contains 390 verses (floras). The first chapter mainly contains the detailed description regarding Hatha Yoga which is concerned with the preparation of the body for Raja Yoga. As a tradition in Ayurvedic and Yogic Texts to have an invocatory verse for divinity and for Guru (Teacher) along with, to mention the purpose for composition of the text. The first chapter of the text has mentioned first three parts of Ashtanga Yoga i.e. Yama, Niyama and Asana along with conducive food and regimen. The first verse of first chapter starts with salutation to Adinatha (Lord Shiva) who transmitted the knowledge of Hatha Yoga to Goddess Parvati. Next verse is written to salute towards his teacher Shree Gurunath. Author accepts the necessity of Hatha Yoga to achieve Raja Yoga and appreciates the Hatha Vidya (knowledge) and reveres the names of 32 Maha Siddhas. Swami Swatmarama mentioned Yoga as secret knowledge and meant only for his devotees, who are pure inside and eligible for it. Apart from philosophical view Author has mentioned practical knowledge of the Asanas as first stage of Hatha Yoga and follows to describe the practice of Swastikasana, Gomukhasana, Veerasana, Koormasana, Kukkutasana, Uttana Koormasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyendrasana and its benefits, Paschimottanasana and its benefits, Mayoorasana and its benefits and Shavasana with objects as well after describing Pathya (conducive) and Apathya (avoidable) and obstacles along with path of success for Yoga Sadhaka (performer). According to Author Lord Shiva has mentioned eighty-four Asanas but that the most important four are Siddhasana, Padmasana, Simhasana and Bhadrasana. But among these four, Siddhasana is excellent which purifies the 72,000 Nadis. This chapter also emphasizes on Simhasana which facilitates the three Bandhas (muscular locks applied during breathing in order to direct the Prana) along with Padmasana. Siddhis (psychic powers) are obtained only by practice according to author. Swatmarama advises to practice these Hatha Yoga procedures until achievement of Raja Yoga in the last verse of the chapter. [6] The second chapter of the text describes Pranayama (control or restraint of energy) and the Shatkarmas (internal cleansing practices) in detail. The second verse of this chapter is to explain the objectives of Pranayama and consequently the author has mentioned Mala Shodhaka Pramayama along with its types and benefits. If Mala Shodhaka Pranayama is practiced daily as the method mentioned in text, the performer will be capable to control Vayu and can be free from all ailments. Period and duration for practice of Pranayama is also mentioned in text clearly. Appropriate diet and lifestyle during the practice is mentioned in this chapter. The author describes left and right nostril breathing and Kumbhaka (retention), Puraka (inhalation) and Rechaka (exhalation), which helps purify the Nadis. The performer should perform Kumbhakas four times a day and increase the number performed as he gets more practiced. Swatmarama has also stated the Nadi purification symptoms in second chapter. Shatkarmas are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Tratak, Nauli and Kapalabhati, which are purifying procedures of body, involve passing string through the orifices of the head or purifying the intestines and stomach by vomiting or drawing up water through the anus. Hatha Yoga pradipika furtherly describes Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock) and Mula Bandha (anus contraction) and the eight different kinds of Kumbhakas (Ashtavidha Kumbhaka). These are Suryabhedani, Ujjayi, Shitali, Sitkri, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Moorcha and Plavini. The signs of perfection in Hatha Yoga are also described at the end of chapter and author declared Hatha Yoga as path of Raja Yoga [7]. The third chapter of the text deals with a detailed explanation of Mudras (seals), Bandhas (locks), the Nadis (channels of energy through which Prana flows) and the Kundalini power. The Mudras are of ten types and useful in seizing the energy (Prana) from within and gradually directs Sadhak s Prana towards the base of the Sushumna. This awakens the Kundalini to achieve the Siddhi and subsequently Moksha. Seven Chakras are present in the path of kundalini. Sahasrar chakra is deemed as final destination of Prana i.e. Moksha. These chakras are associated with various psychosomatic centers. Khechari Mudra is described with procedures and properties especially. Vajrauli is a type of Mudra which is believed to retain Shukra Dhatu within body for a long life along with achieving Siddhis. As Ayurveda mentioned Shukra is a finest Dhatu among all seven and finally forms Ojus, which is base of life. Hatha Yoga Pradipika has mentioned Vajrauli Kriya even in females. In the final verse of this chapter author has appreciated the Guru as preacher of Mudras and declared Asanas and other Hatha Yoga procedures idle without Raja Yoga [8]. The fourth chapter illustrates detailed knowledge of Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). This chapter starts with a verse devoted to Guru. After saluting to Guru, Page152

7 author has mentioned synonyms and sequence of Samadhi, the state of eternal bliss. This chapter again appreciates Raja Yoga and contains method of adding Prana and mind (Laya Yoga) along with its form. There are 72,000 Nadis (Channels of energy) of which, Ida and Pingla are lateral and the central one is the Sushumna. When the practitioner masters the restraint of his breath and the Prana flows through the Sushumna, emancipation is obtained. Consequently author describes Mudras (figures) like Shambhavi Mudra, Unmani Mudra and Khechari Mudra in this chapter too. Nada is described in this part of the fourth chapter. Nada is where the Yogi listens with a concentrated mind to the sounds within. Nada has four stages. First is Arambha Avastha (the state of beginning) sweet tinkling sounds arising from the Anahata Chakra that is in the middle of the body are heard and second stage Ghata Avashta (the state of cooperation), the Prana unites and enters the middle Chakra. The third stage is Parichaya Avastha (knowledge), have phenomenon of the hearing of sounds like a drum in the space lying between the eyebrows. The fourth stage is called as Nishpatti Avastha (the state of final consummation)and sounds of flute are heard in it. In the last part of the fourth chapter the author has elaborated a path to attaining Samadhi (absolute contemplation) through Pratyahara (Concentration), Dharana (Fixed Attention) and Dhyana (Meditation). At last verse of the chapter and this text as well, the author declares that the Yogi (performer of Raja Yoga) only have right to attain knowledge. [9] The text seems to describe mainly Hatha Yoga but it has declared Raja Yoga as superior and Hatha Yoga as a path of it at many places in the text. The purpose of Hatha Yoga is to give the knowledge of controlling the two energies "Ha" and "Tha" (Prana and Apana). Hatha Yoga is a practical way to control the mind (Raja Yoga) through control of the Prana (vital force). The text is narrated wisely and illustrated practical aspect and importance of various Yogic procedures to achieve beneficial results. The text concludes that Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga are complementary part of Yoga. Although the Samadhi is the utmost aim of Yoga but it could be attained only through Hatha Yogic procedures. CONCLUSION This is the first text that contains complete elaborative description on Ashtanga Yoga along with purification methods (Shat Karma). Detailed description of Hatha Yoga is available in form of Asana and Pranayama with methods and their beneficial effects. The description of various Asana, Pranayama and Pathya-Apathya is very contemporary and useful in today s scenario. Author has also described awakening of Kundalini Shakti through various Yogic procedures. The text has highlighted the importance of Raja Yoga. REFERENCES 1. Patanjali, Yoga Sutra, edited by PV Karambelkar, Lonavala, Kaivalyadhama Publisher, 1994, p Swami Swatmaram Yogi, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Prabha commentary by Giriraj Shastri, Shyamlal Heeralal Shyamkashi Press, Mathura, 1 st Edition, 1970, p.1 3. Ibid, p.2 4. Muktibodhananda, Swami. Hatha yoga pradipika. Sri Satguru Publications, 1 st Edition, 1985, p Ibid, p.1 6. Swami Swatmaram Yogi, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Prabha commentary by Giriraj Shastri, Shyamlal Heeralal Shyamkashi Press, Mathura,,, 1 st Edition, 1970, p Ibid, p Ibid, p Ibid, p CITE THIS ARTICLE AS R. S. Ranawat et.al., Review on Hatha Yoga Pradipika - An Authoritative Text on Yoga, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(3): Source of Support Nil Conflict of Interest None Declared Page153

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