The Hatha Yoga Pradipika: A Summary And Exploration Of The Ancient Text

Also listed in our post "8 Books On Yoga That Every Yogi Should Read" is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and for good reason. It is the oldest surviving text on Hatha yoga, and it serves as a guide for the practice.

Contrary to popular belief, the roots and origins of traditional Hatha yoga are not “soft” like most of the Hatha that is practiced today. Hatha actually translates to force or power and historically, it was anything but calm and relaxing.

The Pradipika was compiled in the 15th century by Svatmarama, he took reference from the Vedas and from the teachings of his great Gurus, allowing those teachings to be known by the world, for the yoga traditional to live on. Without taking any personal credit for the text he would say;

"I am only a tool for the transmission of knowledge"

The text includes 4 main chapters. In each chapter one of the main characteristics or facets of the Hatha yoga pratice is described and covered in detail. The text includes an explanation of 15 different postures or asanas. The postures that are outlined within the text are the following:

15 asanas from the Pradipika

Swastikasana- Auspicious pose

Gomukhasana- Cow face pose Virasana- Hero pose Kurmasana- Tortoise pose Kukkutasana- Rooster pose Uttana Kurmasana- Stretching tortoise pose

Matsyendrasana- Seated spinal twist

Dhanurasana- Bow pose

Paschimottanasana- Seated forward fold

Mayurasana- Peacock pose Shavasana- Corpse pose

Siddhasana- Adept’s pose

Padmasana- Lotus pose

Simhasana- Lion pose

Bhadrasana- Gracious pose

The Teachings of the Pradipika

The Pradipika teaches us the importance of cleansing, both via the physical body through asana and the cleansing of the energetic body through pranayama and kriya practices.

It includes teachings about the chakra system (for more about the chakras click here), how it facilitates in the the awakening of consciousness, as well as various seals or mudras that allow us to contain energy and/or redirect it, and lastly, it covers Nada yoga, the yoga of deep inner listening and connecting to subtle vibration.

Hatha Yoga is defined as the joining of the “sun” and “moon”, the sun in this case refers to the masculine energy channel, located on the right side of the body called the Pingala Nadi, likewise, the moon refers to our feminine energy channel, which resides on the left, called the Ida Nadi. When we are able to balance and align these energy channels we can then, access our central channel called the Sushumna Nadi.

"The Pradipika reminds us that yoga is not a passive experience, you are not a passenger in your journey, you are the driver. It is a powerful practice."

Historically, yoga was practiced to have the ability to embody power and “magic", yogis were dedicated and strived to remain in a state of yoga for as much time as possible.

All forms of yoga that are practiced today are adaptations of traditional Hatha yoga, as before Hatha, yoga was purely concerned with the mind and involved only the practice of seated meditation.

The Meaning behind the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Even within the title of this text we are able to glean insight, “Pradipika” is most often translated as ‘light’ or ‘which lights’, in this case, this text shines light on Hatha yoga. Pradipika is otherwise translated as “self- illuminating”, meaning, the text has its own power to shed light on darkness, misinformation and/or ignorance.

The Hatha yogi attains yogic wisdom via power and force, as Hatha translates to force or forceful, we know that the practice asks of us to overcome great obstacles using will power, surpassing the road blocks of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being.

The Pradipika via the sutras

The contents of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika have been organised into sections in order for the text to be read clearly and to maximise our understanding of the practice. The first chapter consisting of asana, the second of shatkrama and pranayama, the third of mudra and bandha, and the fourth is about Samadhi, which we will of course recognise from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Let’s breakdown the chapters into a little more detail:

Chapter One – asana

In this chapter, the text outlines the importance and significance of asana and the physical practice of Hatha yoga.

The first two verses of this chapter are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are used to define the purpose of Hatha yoga and how it is practiced to attain Raja yoga, this is one of the types of yoga that we encounter in the Upanishads. Raja yoga meaning king or Patanjali’s yoga, which is of course, the yoga we find written out in the Yoga Sutras.

The next five verses of this chapter talk about the great masters of Hatha yoga such as; Matsyendranath and Goraknath. Verses nine to sixteen lay down guidelines for the Hatha yoga practitioner, covering, how to successfully practice yoga, the ethics one has to follow as a yogi, and from verse seventeen to fifty-four the 15 asanas that are practiced in traditional Hatha yoga are explained.

Here are the postures one more time:

Swastikasana- Auspicious pose

Gomukhasana- Cow face pose Virasana- Hero pose Kurmasana- Tortoise pose Kukkutasana- Rooster pose Uttana Kurmasana- Stretching tortoise pose

Matsyendrasana- Seated spinal twist

Dhanurasana- Bow pose

Paschimottanasana- Seated forward fold

Mayurasana- Peacock pose Shavasana- Corpse pose

Siddhasana- Adept’s pose

Padmasana- Lotus pose

Simhasana- Lion pose

Bhadrasana- Gracious pose

It is also mentioned that the 4 most important postures are within the Hatha yoga practice are: Siddhasana, Padmasana, Simhasana, and Bhadrasana.

In the verses to follow, an outline of other qualities the yogi must have are explained, including behavioural qualities and foods a yogi should eat.

Important Note: It is important to remember that these texts are read and treasured as they preserve the history of yoga and keep the traditional alive, however, some information should be “taken with a grain of salt”.

Why? Well, these texts were compiled thousands of years ago, at a time when women didn’t practice yoga, so when the text mentions celibacy, of course, that may be something that you will want to scan over, likewise, mentions of God or dietary suggestions may not apply or work for you either.

Yoga will never push anything on you. While reading, feel free to replace words or things that may trigger you with sentences like “I believe in something that is bigger than me”, “I eat food that nourishes me and that makes me the best version of myself”, or “I enjoy life but do nothing to excess”.

This way you can apply the ancient teachings to your modern day lifestyle without feeling turned off by some of what you may read.

Chapter Two – Shatkarma & Pranayama

The second chapter of the Pradipika begins with an introduction and explanation of the importance of Nadi cleansing, the Nadi being the the energetic pathways of the body, and the importance of pranayama.

This chapter goes on to outline different methods of pranayama that can be performed and mentions which diseases and ailments can be cured or resolved with each Pranayama.

Following pranayama, this chapter continues by explaining the 6 cleansing techniques known as Shatkarma. The first Shatkarma is Dhauti, which involves the cleansing of the food pipe, the second is Basti, which is the technique of cleansing the large intestine, the third is Neti, the cleansing of the nasal passages, the fourth is Trataka, which is a yogic purification via meditation that involves staring at a single point such as a small object, black dot or a candle flame, bringing energy and alignment to the third eye, the fifth is Nauli Kriya, which is a type of stomach vacuuming, and the sixth is the method of Kapalbhati pranayama and Gaja Karani.

Warning: None of these cleansing practices should be preformed without consideration of one's medical history, nor should they be performed without the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher or holistic medicine practitioner with trainings and credentials in cleansing practices.

Do not attempt these practices unless working with or under the guidance of a professional.

For more information on Kapalbhati and pranayama, click here.

Chapter Three – Mudra & Bandha

The third chapter of the Pradipika covers tantra, kundalini, and the importance of mudras. Mudras are special seals that facilitate the flow of energy and allow us to cultivate energy and channel it in a way that serves us and our practice. These seals are normally made with the hands and fingers.

Likewise, bandhas are internal “locks” in the body that can be manipulated and used to direct energy or prana. This chapter contains different mudras used within the Hatha yoga practice and the divine powers or “ashta siddhi” that the yogi can obtain by the practice of mudras.

There are 10 mudras and bandhas covered and defined within the text. This chapter continues to further describe specific mudras and their corresponding benefits. The mudras covered are; the Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha, Maha Vedha Mudra, Khechari Mudra, and the 3 bandhas covered are; Uddiyana Bandha, Mula Bandha, and the Jalandhar Bandha.

Further, Viparita Karani, Vajroli Mudra, Sahajoli Mudra, Amaroli Mudra, and Shakti Chalana Mudra are covered in detail, including various ways of awakening Kundalini by combining the practice of pranayama, asanas, and mudras.

Chapter Four – Samadhi

The fourth chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika begins with the introduction of Nada, Bindu, and Kala as the supreme state of bliss and the ultimate goal of the yogi, to reach Samadhi.

Samadhi, meaning enlightenment, is the result of allowing the steady focus of the mind obtained in meditation practice to release the object of concentration. If then, the mind can be steady and focused on its own without the stimulus, then the thoughts have ceased, and the highest self has therefore fulfilled its purpose.

Samadhi breaks down into two parts: sama, meaning same, and dhi, meaning divinity. When we know ourselves as the same as the highest source (which will be relative from person to person depending on our faith or beliefs) we have attained samadhi.

This is actually our natural state of being, we are meant to be deeply connected to the source of our being and to that which is more or greater than us. Samadhi is therefore best understood as a state of being rather than as an achievement.

If we can learn to see it as a state of being, as a place to reside, we will be able to find a way to remain enlightened.

Samadhi is then further explained, including the various subtle signs, in terms of prana or energy flow that occur when a yogi is about to attain Samadhi, how the condition of Samadhi is attained when prana begins to flow through the central energy channel or Nadi called Sushumna, awakening Kundalini.

This chapter continues to outline the conditions and occurrences that must take place in order for the yogi to reach Samadhi.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika: In 4 Sutras

In order to best understand the teachings of the Pradipika, here are four of the most important sutras within the text.

Let’s break them down to further understand their meaning:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Sutra 1.56

The following: asana, pranayama, mudra (seals for energy), and concentration on nada (sacred sound, the Om within you, your personal connection to bliss) comprise Hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga requires intensity and force of the physical body in order to achieve spiritual liberation. The practice is comprised of asana, meaning seat or posture, pranayama, breath work to control the mind, mudras which are gestures made to channel and seal energy, and nada, meaning subtle vibration.

Hatha meaning forceful, the practice requires us to push past our limitations and to let go of worldly attachments in order to reach self-realisation.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Sutra 4.1

Salutations to the nadam, which is the inner guide and the inner life, the dispenser of happiness to all! It is the inner guru appearing as nada, bindu, and kala. One who is devoted to the inner guru, the nada, the inner music, obtains bliss.

This is the opening sutra of the fourth chapter of this text, offering salutations to Shiva. Shiva is the ultimate and original yogi, and he is our connection to bliss.

He and his mythical dedication to the practice of yoga and deep meditation are the inspiration for yoga's incredible evolution, making it only fitting that this sutra should honour Shiva's efforts and offerings.

Specifically, this sutra makes note of Shiva’s ability to be a powerful teacher of subtle vibration and stillness. Arguably the most important element of the Hatha yoga practice being the Nada, or the subtle inner sound that pervades all things.

The more time we spend with Om, the deeper we can experience bliss, eventually, in time and with practice, we gain the ability to see bliss in all things.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Sutra 4.93

One who desires the highest yoga should thus explore the nada with an attentive mind and abandon all anxious thoughts.

Nada, meaning subtle vibration, is given little creed in our modern day yoga, and yet this is a mistake, as it is mentioned throughout the texts of yogic wisdom such as the Yoga Sutras, the Gita, and here in the Padipika, as the basis for all experiences of yoga, including enlightenment.

Within the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, we find mention of the divine represented as Om (they appear in Yoga Sutra 1.27, and in the Gita 10.25), and we see it again here.

Attention to the nada, or subtle vibration, will bring us to understand what waits for us beyond the surface of yoga, and that which will lead us to the to the underlying meaning of all things, settling our mind and our heart at the same time.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Sutra 4.97

Upon hearing the internal sound (nada), the mind is held captive by it, just as a cobra is hypnotised by the sound of the snake charmer’s flute.

We have the same capabilities as the snake charmer, holding the venomous cobra within their grasp, in a trace, with just the sound of a flute.

With the sound of the Nada we are able to hold the mind steady within our own grasp. When we focus on the sacred internal vibration, the mind and the ego will become captivated and still.

The Main Teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

In order to grasp the meaning of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it is important to understand the “big picture” as a philosophy in order to apply it to your life. In any spiritual practice, we do not participate in yoga to emulate the teachings in class and then drop everything on the way out of the yoga room and forget about them.

Yoga is a state of being, and the more we can remain in that state, the more bliss we will experience. So applying the teachings of the Pradipika to each and every aspect of your life will allow you to better understand the concept of yoga and bring you closer to enlightenment and higher consciousness.

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Jasmine Melrose

Director & Founder of DECO the Blog

Jasmine Melrose is a Toronto native living in Amsterdam. Once a professional dancer, her passions include movement, fitness, yoga, healing, and all things vegan. Jasmine is a 500-hour trained yoga teacher, who loves to get you deeper into your practice. She is also a certified barre teacher who loves making raw vegan, guilt-free and good-for-you treats. Check out her recipes and articles on everything from fitness to yoga, to notes on a journey towards healing.

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