“The yama and niyama have been provided as guidelines to maintain a sadhaka on the path.”
This isn't a verse from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. It is an idea from commentary on the text. For the text's own words, see the verses we've referenced.
About the text: Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a Sanskrit manual of hatha yoga compiled by Svatmarama, usually dated to the 15th century. Its four chapters cover postures, cleansing practices and breath control, mudras and bandhas, and meditation, and it is among the most influential surviving hatha yoga texts.
More from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- “The yogi must always perform moola bandha to guide kundalini into the Brahma nadi.”
- “By systematically restraining the prana (breath), the nadis and chakras are purified, allowing the prana to enter the sushumna.”
- “Nada is like the net that snares the deer (mind) inside, also acting as the hunter who slays it.”
- “Expansion of mundane consciousness must be the motivation for the practice.”
- “The entire pranic capacity must be increased to manifest superhuman qualities.”
- “The system has been designed for the people of Kali Yuga; Hatha Yoga commences with purification of the body.”