Lessons in Yoga Exercises

Lessons In Yoga Exercises
On asanas.
1. Salutation to Âdinatha (Siva) who expounded the knowledge of
Hatha Yoga, which like a staircase leads the aspirant to the high
pinnacled Raja Yoga.
2. Yogin Swatmarama, after saluting his Gurû Srinatha explains
Hatha Yoga for the attainment of Raja Yoga.
3. Owing to the darkness arising from the multiplicity of opinions
people are unable to know the Raja Yoga. Compassionate
Swatmarama composes the Hatha Yoga Pradipika like a torch to
dispel it.
4. Matsyendra, Goraksa, etc., knew Hatha Vidya, and by their favor
Yogi Swatmarama also learnt it from them.
5. The following Siddhas (masters) are said to have existed in
former times:- Sri Adinatha (Siva), Matsyendra, Natha, Sabar,
Anand, Bhairava, Chaurangi, Mina Natha, Goraksanatha, Virupaksa,
Bilesaya.
6. Manthana, Bhairava, Siddhi Buddha, Kanthadi, Karantaka,
Surananda, Siddhipada, Charapati.
7. Kaneri, Pujyapada, Nityanatha, Niranjana, Kapali, Vindunatha,
Kaka Chandiswara.
8. Allama, Prabhudeva, Ghoda, Choli, Tintini, Bhanuki, Nardeva,
Khanda Kapalika, etc.
9. These Mahasiddhas (great masters), breaking the sceptre of
death, are roaming in the universe.
10. Like a house protecting one from the heat of the sun, Hatha
Yoga protects its practisers from the burning heat of the three
Tapas; and, similarly, it is the supporting tortoise, as it were, for
those who are constantly devoted to the practice of Yoga.
11. A yogi desirous of success should keep the knowledge of Hatha
Yoga secret; for it becomes potent by concealing, and impotent by
exposing.
12. The Yogi should practice Hatha Yoga in a small room, situated in
a solitary place, being 4 cubits square, and free from stones, fire,
water, disturbances of all kinds, and in a country where justice is
properly administered, where good people live, and food can be
obtained easily and plentifully.
13. The room should have a small door, be free from holes,
hollows, neither too high nor too low, well plastered with cow-dung
and free from dirt, filth and insects. On its outside there should be
bowers, raised platform (chabootra), a well, and a compound.
These characteristics of a room for Hatha Yogis have been
described by adepts in the practice of Hatha.
14. Having seated in such a room and free from all anxieties, he
should practice Yoga, as instructed by his gurû .
15. Yoga is destroyed by the following six causes:-- Over-eating,
exertion, talkativeness, adhering to rules, i.e., cold bath in the
morning, eating at night, or eating fruits only, company of men, and
unsteadiness.
16. The following six bring speedy success:-- Courage, daring,
perseverance, discriminative knowledge, faith, aloofness from
company.
17. The ten rules of conduct are: ahimsâ (non-injuring), truth, nonstealing,
continence, forgiveness, endurance, compassion,
meekness, sparing diet, and cleanliness.
18. The ten niyamas mentioned by those proficient in the
knowledge of Yoga are: Tapa, patience, belief in God, charity,
adoration of God, hearing discourses on the principles of religion,
shame, intellect, Tapa and Yajna.
Asanas.
19. Being the first accessory of Hatha Yoga, asana is described first.
It should be practiced for gaining steady posture, health and
lightness of body.
20. I am going to describe certain âsanas which have been adopted
by Munis like Vasistha, etc., and Yogis like Matsyendra, etc.
Swastika-asana.
21.Having kept both the hands under both the thighs, with the body
straight, when one sits calmly in this posture, it is called
Swastika.
Gomukha-asana.
22. Placing the right ankle on the left side and the left ankle on the
right side, makes Gomukha-asana, having the appearance of a cow.
Virasana.
23. One foot is to be placed on the thigh of the opposite side; and
so also the other foot on the opposite thigh. This is called Virâsana.
Kurmasana.
24. Placing the right ankle on the left side of the anus, and the left
ankle on the right side of it, makes what the Yogis call Kurmaâsana.
Kukkuta asana.
25. Taking the posture of Padmâ-âsana and carrying the hands
under the thighs, when the Yogi raises himself above the ground,
with his palms resting on the ground, it becomes Kukkuta-âsana.
Utana Kurma-asana.
26. Having assumed the Kukkuta-asana, when one grasps his neck
by crossing his hands behind his head, and lies in this posture with
his back touching the ground, it becomes Uttana Kurma-asana,
from its appearance like that of a tortoise
Dhanura asana.
27. Having caught the toes of the foot with both hands and carried
them to the ears by drawing the body like a bow, it becomes
Dhanura âsana.
Matsya-asana.
28-29. Having placed with the right foot at the root of the left thigh,
let the toe be grasped with the right hand passing over the back,
and having placed the left foot on the right thigh at its root, let it be
grasped with the left hand passing behind the back. This is the
âsana, as explained by Sri Matsyânatha. It increases appetite and is
an instrument for destroying the group of the most deadly diseases.
Its practice awakens the Kundalini, stops the nectar shedding from
the moon in people.
Paschima Tana.
30. Having stretched the feet on the ground, like a stick, and having
grasped the toes of both feet with both hands, when one sits with
his forehead resting on the thighs, it is called Paschima Tâna.
31. This Paschima Tâna carries the air from the front to the back
part of the body (i.e., to the susumna). It kindles gastric fire,
reduces obesity and cures all diseases of men.
Mayura-asana.
32. Place the palms of both hands on the ground, and place the
navel on both the elbows and balancing thus, the body should be
stretched backwards like a stick. This is called Mayura-asana.
33. This âsana soon destroyed all diseases, and removes abdominal
disorders, and also those arising from irregularities of phlegm, bile and
wind, digests unwholesome food taken in excess, increases appetite
and destroys the most deadly poison.
Sava-âsana.
34. Laying down on the ground, like a corpse, is called Sava-âsana.
It removes fatigue and gives rest to the mind.
35. Siva taught 84 âsanas. Of these the first four being essential
ones, I am going to explain them here.
36. These four are:-- The Siddha, Padma, Sinha and Bhadra. Even
of these, the Siddha-âsana, being very comfortable, one should
always practice it.
The Siddhâsana.
37. Press firmly the heel of the left foot against the perineum, and
the right heel above the lingha. With the chin pressing on the chest,
one should sit calmly, having restrained the senses, and gaze
steadily at the space between the eyebrows. This is called the
Siddha âsana, the opener of the door of salvation.
38. This Siddhâsana is performed also by placing the left heel on
the Medhra (above the penis), and placing the right one next to it.
39. Some call this Siddhâsana, some Vajrâsana. Others call it Mukta
âsana or Gupta âsana.
40. Just as sparing food is among Yamas, and Ahimsâ among the
Niyamas, so is Siddhâsana called by adepts the chief of all the
âsanas.
41. Out of the 84 âsanas Siddhâsana should always be practiced,
because it cleanses the impurities of 72,000 nâdis.
42. By contemplating on oneself, by eating sparingly, and by
practicing Siddhâsana for 12 years, the Yogi obtains success.
43. Other postures are of no use, when success has been achieved
in Siddhâsana, and Prâna Vâyu becomes calm and restrained by
Kevala Kumbhaka.
44. Success in one Siddhâsana alone becoming firmly established,
one gets Unmani at once, and the three bonds (Bandhas) are
accomplished of themselves.
45. There is no âsana like the Siddhâsana and no Kumbhaka like
the Kevala. There is no mudrâ like the Khechari and no laya like the
Nada (Anahâta Nâda).
Padmâsana.
46. Place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the
right thigh, and grasp the toes with the hands crossed over the
back. Press the chin against the chest and gaze on the tip of the
nose. This is called the Padmâsana, the destroyer of the diseases of
the Yamis.
47. Place the feet on the thighs, with the soles upward, and place
the hands on the thighs, with the palms upwards.
48. Gaze on the tip of the nose, keeping the tongue pressed against
the root of the teeth of the upper jaw, and the chin against the
chest, and raise the air up slowly, i.e., pull the apâna-vâyu gently
upwards.
49. This is called the Padmâsana, the destroyer of all diseases. It is
difficult of attainment by everybody, but can be learnt by intelligent
people in this world.
50. Having kept both hands together in the lap, performing the
Padmâsana firmly, keeping the chin fixed to the chest and
contemplating on Him in the mind, by drawing the apâna-vâyu up
(performing Mula Bandha) and pushing down the air after inhaling
it, joining thus the prana and apâna in the navel, one gets the
highest intelligence by awakening the sakti (kundalini) thus.
N.B.-- When Apâna Vâyu is drawn gently up and after filling the
lungs with the air from outside, the prana is forced down by and by
so as to join both of them in the navel, they both enter then the
Kundalini and, reaching the Brahma randra (the great hole), they
make the mind calm. Then the mind can contemplate on the nature
of the atmana and can enjoy the highest bliss.)
51. The Yogi who, sitting with Padmâsana, can control breathing,
there is no doubt, is free from bondage.
The Simhâsana.
52. Press the heels on both sides of the seam of the Perineum, in
such a way that the left heel touches the right side and the right
heel touches the left side of it.
53. Place the hands on the thighs, with stretched fingers, and
keeping the mouth open and the mind collected, gaze on the tip of
the nose.
54. This is Simhâsana, held sacred by the best Yogis. This excellent
âsana effects the completion of the three Bandhas (the
Mulabandha, Kantha or Jâlandhar Bandha and Uddiyâna Bandha).
The Bhandrâsana.
55 and 56. Place the heels on either side of the seam of the
Perineum, keeping the left heel on the left side and the right one on
the right side, holding the feet firmly joined to one another with
both the hands. This Bhadrâsana is the destroyer of all diseases.
57. The expert Yogis call this Goraksa âsana. By sitting with this
âsana, the Yogi gets rid of fatigue.
58. The Nadis should be cleansed of their impurities by performing
the mudrâs, etc., (which are the practices relating to the air)
âsanas, Kumbhakas and various curious mudrâs.
59. By regular and close attention to Nâda (anâhata nâda) in Hatha
Yoga, a Brahmachari, sparing in diet, unattached to objects of
enjoyment, and devoted to Yoga, gains success, no doubt, within a
year.
60. Abstemious feeding is that in which 3/4 of hunger is satisfied
with food, well cooked with ghee and sweets, and eaten with the
offering of it to Siva.
Foods injurious to a Yogi.
61. Bitter, sour, saltish, green vegetables, fermented, oily, mixed
with til seed, rape seed, intoxicating liquors, fish, meat, curds,
chhaasa pulses, plums, oil-cake, asafoetida (hinga), garlic, onion,
etc., should not be eaten.
62. Food heated again, dry, having too much salt, sour, minor
grains, and vegetables that cause burning sensation, should not be
eaten. Fire, women, travelling, etc., should be avoided.
63. As said by Goraksa, one should keep aloof from the society of
the evil-minded, fire, women, travelling, early morning bath,
fasting, and all kinds of bodily exertion.
64. Wheat, rice, barley, shâstik (a kind of rice), good corns, milk,
ghee, sugar, butter, sugarcandy, honey, dried ginger, Parwal (a
vegetable), the five vegetables, moong, pure water, these are very
beneficial to those who practice Yoga.
65. A yogi should eat tonics (things giving strength), well
sweetened, greasy (made with ghee), milk butter, etc., which may
increase humors of the body, according to his desire.
66. Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards
laziness, gets success if he practices Yoga.
67. Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can
one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on
Yoga, one can never get success.
68. Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress
(Vesa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the
means to success. This is true, there is no doubt.
69. âsanas, various Kumbhakas, and other divine means, all should
be practiced in the practice of Hatha Yoga, till the fruitóRâja Yoga is
obtained.

Mudras in Yoga practise

MUDRAs
Mudra is the science of hand and finger postures. It can help to cure bodily
ailments in a wonderful manner. It affects the body's energetic system and the
flow of prana (life energy) within it. It actually helps in balancing the five
elements ( panch-tattvas ) in the human system to their optimal levels.
Abhaya Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Abhaya Mudra
"Abhaya" means "fearless". Abhaya Mudra represents protection, peace,
benevolence, and dispelling of fear.
Sequence:
1. Raise both your hands to the sides of your head.
2. Touch the forefinger to tip of thumb (just as in Gyan Mudra).
3. Hold the hand vertically straight by the sides.
Benefits:
• Mind becomes fearless.
• Gives a feeling of courage and strength.
Gyan Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Gyan Mudra
"Gyan" means "knowledge". It is the gesture of knowledge. This mudra is
considered to bestow intelligence and wisdom. Hence the name.
Sequence:
1. Bestows intelligence and wisdom.
2. Purifies the mind of the practitioner.
3. Cures many mental ailments.
4. Gives a feeling of joy.
5. Cures intoxication and addictive habits.
Linga Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Linga Mudra
"Linga" or "Angustha" means "phallus". Thumb is a symbol of masculinity.
Sequence:
1. Join both the palms.
2. Interlace fingers of both hands.
3. Extend one thumb upwards.
4. Encircle extended thumb with the index finger and thumb of the other
hand.
Benefits:
• This mudra generates heat in the body and thus, while it "burns" away
accumulated phlegm in the chest, it also makes the body more resilient to the
cold.
• It helps in increasing dynamism in a person.
• Persons with bilious temperament should practice this mudra under the
guidance of able and experienced person.
• Chronic cold is easily cured.
• It burns unwanted calories in the body, thus reducing obesity.
Mritasanjeevani Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Mritasanjeevani Mudra
"Mritasanjeevani" means "Air". This mudra helps balance the air element in the
body.
Sequence:
1. Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb.
2. Press the forefinger gently on the pad.
3. Touch the fore part of third (longest) finger and fore part of fourth (ring)
finger with the fore part of thumb.
Benefits:
• This mudra strengthens the heart.
• It is very useful in all heart ailments.
• It helps normalize blood pressure.
• This mudra has also been found to increase self-confidence.
Prithvi Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Prithvi Mudra
"Prithvi" means "Earth". This mudra helps balance the earth element in the body.
Sequence:
1. Place the tip of the ring finger (third finger) on top of the tip of the thumb.
2. Extend all the other fingers.
3. Keep them comfortably straight as possible.
Benefits:
• Normalizes body equilibrium.
• Helps remove physical weakness.
• Increases tolerance and patience.
• Helps all who practice spiritual meditation.
Shunya Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Shunya Mudra
"Shunya" means "zero" or "sky". Sky is connected with the highest forces - with
the "upper person" - with head.
Sequence:
1. Lower the middle finger and place finger pad on the fleshy mound area of
your thumb.
2. Cover it with your thumb.
3. Extend index, ring and little fingers.
This should be practiced for atleast for 45 minutes at a stretch for optimum
results.
Benefits:
• This mudra improves impaired hearing.
• It cures earaches in minutes.
• It also helps in nausea, vertigo, and travel sickness.
Surya Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Surya Mudra
"Surya" means "sun". Sun is the source of energy. Virtue of its energy is present
in all living beings. Surya mudra attracts energy of the Sun.
Sequence:
1. Touch the third (ring) finger to the pad of thumb.
2. Press the thumb gently over this third (ring) finger.
3. Keep the other fingers aloof.
Benefits:
• This mudra decreases Earth element in body.
• It cures mental heaviness.
• It also reduces body fat.
• The mudra is good for weight loss.
Varuna Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Varuna Mudra
"Varuna" means "Water". It balances the water element in the body.
Sequence:
1. Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb.
Benefits:
• Regular practice of this mudra balances water element in body.
• This mudra enhances physical beauty.
• It decreases dryness in skin and body.
• It is beneficial in controlling coughs, colds, asthma, paralysis, vibration,
sinuses, and low blood pressure.
Vaayu Mudra
Yoga Exercises > Yoga Mudras > Vaayu Mudra
"Vaayu" means "Air". This mudra helps balance the air element in the body.
Sequence:
1. Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb.
2. Press the forefinger gently on the pad.
3. Keep the other fingers aloof.
Benefits:
• Helps in all nervous ailments.
• Helpful in pains and aches.
• Specific mudra for patients of Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's ailment.