“When the perineal body is contracted, prana shakti is redirected to the navel center, activating the fire element.”
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 system has been designed for the people of Kali Yuga; Hatha Yoga commences with purification of the body.”
- “A strong yet flexible mind can never be an overnight attainment; the process takes many years.”
- “Desiring worldly rewards from yoga leads one astray from spiritual enlightenment.”
- “The qualities of existence, consciousness, and bliss are present in all elements, gods, animals, and men alike.”
- “Without complete stillness and steadiness, inner awakening remains elusive.”
- “The shakti in the form of mind reflects objects; to reflect pure consciousness, the mind must contain nothing.”