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Authentic Yogic Lineage & Scriptures
Classical Yogic Shastra Explorer
Explore foundational classical Sanskrit scriptures — verse-by-verse original Devanagari, transliteration, word-by-word padartha, and multi-voice Guru guidance.
Wellness Disclaimer / अस्वीकरण:
The yogic practices, mudras, and breathing techniques presented here are rooted in classical tradition and intended solely for educational, wellness, and holistic lifestyle purposes. They do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician or healthcare specialist before starting any physical regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions, chronic illnesses, or are pregnant. Practice mindfully within your body's comfortable limits.
Padartha (Word-by-word):
श्रीआदिनाथाय (To Sri Adinatha / Shiva) नमः अस्तु (salutations be) तस्मै (to him) येन (by whom) उपदिष्टा (was taught) हठयोगविद्या (the science of Hatha Yoga) | या (which) राजयोगम् (to Raja Yoga) आरोढुम् इच्छोः (for one wishing to ascend) अधिरोहिणी इव (like a ladder) विभ्राजते (shines forth).
Translation:
Salutations to Sri Adinatha (Lord Shiva) who expounded the science of Hatha Yoga, which shines forth like a sturdy ladder for the aspirant seeking to scale the heights of Raja Yoga.
Yogic Commentary:
Svatmarama establishes that Hatha Yoga is not merely physical exercise, but the essential physical foundation (ladder) designed to lead directly to Raja Yoga and Samadhi.
atyāhāraḥ prayāsaś ca prajalpo niyamāgrahaḥ |
jana-saṅgaś ca laulyaṁ ca ṣaḍbhir yogo vinaśyati ||
Padartha (Word-by-word):
अत्याहारः (Overeating) प्रयासः (overexertion) च (and) प्रजल्पः (excessive talkativeness) नियमाग्रहः (rigid adherence to unyielding rules) जनसङ्गः (company of unmindful people) च लौल्यम् (unsteady wavering mind) च षड्भिः (by these six) योगः (yoga) विनश्यति (is destroyed).
Translation:
Yoga is destroyed by six causes: overeating, extreme physical exertion, excessive talkativeness, rigid mechanical adherence to rules, association with worldly crowds, and unsteadiness of purpose.
Yogic Commentary:
These six Badhaka Tattvas (obstacles) caution against both sensory excess and rigid dogmatism.
Padartha (Word-by-word):
हठस्य (Of Hatha Yoga) प्रथमाङ्गत्वात् (being the first limb) आसनम् (posture) पूर्वम् (first) उच्यते (is expounded) | तत् (that) आसनम् (asana) स्थैर्यम् (steadiness) आरोग्यम् (freedom from disease / optimal health) अङ्गलाघवम् च (and lightness of body) कुर्यात् (produces).
Translation:
Being the first limb of Hatha Yoga, Asana is described first. It brings physical and mental steadiness (sthairya), vibrant holistic health (arogya), and buoyancy/lightness of the limbs (anga-laghava).
Yogic Commentary:
This is the classic definition of the physiological threefold purpose of Asana in Hatha tradition.
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Second Upadesha: Shatkarma & Kumbhaka
Key Focus: Purification of the Nadis, 6 Shatkarmas (Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, Kapalabhati), and 8 Kumbhakas
cale vāte calaṁ cittaṁ niścale niścalaṁ bhavet |
yogī sthāṇutvam āpnoti tato vāyuṁ nirodhayet ||
Padartha (Word-by-word):
चले वाते (When breath moves / is unsteady) चलम् (unsteady becomes) चित्तम् (the mind) | निश्चले (when breath is still) निश्चलम् भवेत् (the mind becomes motionless) | योगी (the yogi) स्थाणुत्वम् (unshakeable stability) आप्नोति (attains) ततः (therefore) वायुम् (the breath / prana) निरोधयेत् (should restrain / regulate).
Translation:
When the breath fluctuates, the mind fluctuates; when the breath is stilled, the mind becomes stilled, and the yogi attains unshakeable steadiness. Therefore, let the practitioner regulate the breath.
Yogic Commentary:
The bedrock principle linking respiratory rhythm with cortical oscillation and autonomic state.
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HYP 2.22
धौतिर्बस्तिस्तथा नेतिस्त्राटकं नौलिकं तथा ।
कपालभातिश्चैतानि षट्कर्माणि प्रचक्षते ॥
Padartha (Word-by-word):
धौतिः (Dhauti) बस्तिः (Basti) तथा (and) नेतिः (Neti) त्राटकम् (Trataka) नौलिकम् (Nauli) तथा (and) कपालभातिः (Kapalabhati) च (and) एतानि (these) षट्कर्माणि (the six cleansing actions) प्रचक्षते (are proclaimed).
Translation:
Dhauti (esophageal cleansing), Basti (colonic wash), Neti (nasal irrigation), Trataka (steady gazing), Nauli (abdominal churning), and Kapalabhati (frontal brain cleansing) are known as the six Shatkarmas.
Yogic Commentary:
Shatkarmas harmonize the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) prior to practicing advanced Kumbhakas.
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Third Upadesha: Mudra & Bandha
Key Focus: Awakening of Kundalini, the 10 Great Mudras (Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Mahavedha, Viparitakarani, Khechari, Uddiyana, Mulabandha, Jalandhara, Vajroli, Shaktichalana)
Padartha (Word-by-word):
तस्मात् (Therefore) सर्वप्रयत्नेन (with every conscious effort) ब्रह्मद्वारमुखे (at the portal of the Brahma Nadi / Sushumna) सुप्ताम् (sleeping) ईश्वरीम् (the primordial sovereign energy / Kundalini) प्रबोधयितुम् (to awaken) मुद्राभ्यासम् (the practice of Mudras) समाचरेत् (one should diligently perform).
Translation:
Therefore, with wholehearted dedication, let the aspirant practice Mudras to awaken the divine sovereign power (Kundalini) that slumbers at the threshold of the Sushumna channel.
Yogic Commentary:
Mudras act as energetic seals and neuro-muscular keys that direct Prana and Apana into the central Sushumna Nadi.
udare paścimaṁ tānaṁ nābher ūrdhvaṁ ca kārayet |
uḍḍīyāno hy asau bandho mṛtyu-mātaṅga-kesarī ||
Padartha (Word-by-word):
उदरे (In the abdomen) नाभ्याः ऊर्ध्वम् (above the navel) पश्चिमम् तानम् (draw backward against the spine) कारयेत् (let one perform) | असौ (this) उड्डीयानः बन्धः (Uddiyana Bandha) मृत्युमातङ्गकेसरी (is like a lion to the elephant of death).
Translation:
Draw the abdomen backwards against the spine and pull it upwards above the navel. This is Uddiyana Bandha, which stands like a fierce lion conquering the mighty elephant of death and decay.
Yogic Commentary:
Uddiyana Bandha creates strong negative intra-thoracic pressure, stimulates vagal tone, and lifts Apana upward into Samana.
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Fourth Upadesha: Samadhi & Nadanusandhana
Key Focus: Nature of Samadhi, Mano-Mani state, Laya Yoga, the 4 stages of practice (Arambha, Ghata, Parichaya, Nishpatti), Inner Mystic Sounds (Anahata Nada)
Padartha (Word-by-word):
यद्वत् (Just as) सलिलम् (in water) सैन्धवम् (rock salt) योगतः (by union/dissolution) साम्यम् (oneness) भजति (attains) | तथा (in the same way) आत्म-मनसोः (of individual self and mind) ऐक्यम् (complete unity) समाधिः (Samadhi) अभिधीयते (is named).
Translation:
Just as a grain of salt dissolves completely into water and becomes one with it, so the total dissolution and oneness of mind with the inner Self is called Samadhi.
Yogic Commentary:
The culmination of all Hatha practices: experiential non-dual absorption beyond mental vrittis.
