The spiritual path is laid out by the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which is one of the earliest treatises on Hatha Yoga written by Swatmarama; all the modern books on Hatha Yoga are based on it. It is an aid for those who wish to learn the advanced practice of Hatha (Kundalini) Yoga from a qualified teacher. A teacher is necessary as many of the instructions given need elaboration and further guidance in order to understand their meaning, particularly as there is no way of exactly translating them using English words.

The purpose of Hatha Yoga is to give you the knowledge of controlling the two energies "Ha" and "Tha" (Prana and Apana). Hatha Yoga is a practical way to control the mind (Raja Yoga) through control of the prana (vital force).

Summary of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Chapter One

Chapter One describes asanas.

The text is started with Swatmarama saluting to his gurus. He indicates that the knowledge has come from the guru-disciple lineage: Siva taught Matsyendranath, Matsyendranath taught his disciple Gorakshanath and Swatmarama learned Hatha Yoga. The knowledge is not for everyone  - it should be kept secret until the student is ready.

The text describes the conditions necessary for the practice of Hatha Yoga, being a peaceful place without distractions or concerns for physical safety. It indicates that the yogi perishes by six causes: over-eating, over exertion due to hard physical labour, too much talk, the observance of unsuitable vows, promiscuous company and unsteadiness. He succeeds through cheerfulness, perseverance, courage, true knowledge, firm belief in the words of the guru and by abandoning unsuitable company.

Swatmarama indicates that asanas are the first stage of Hatha Yoga, and goes on to describe the practice of Swastikasana, Gomukhasana, Virasana, Kurmasana, Kukkutasana, Uttana Kurmasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyendrasana, Paschimottanasana, Mayurasana, Savasana. He reveals that Siva described eighty-four asanas but that the most important four are Siddhasana, Padmasana, Simhasana and Bhadrasana. Of these the most comfortable and excellent is Siddhasana which purifies the 72,000 nadis ('astral nerves'). "A Yogi practicing comtemplation upon his Atman (Self), and observing a moderate diet, if he practices the Siddhasana for twelve years, obtains fulfilment".

Padmasana destroys diseases. "The yogi, sitting in the Padmasana posture, by restraining the breath drawn in through the nadis, becomes liberated".

Simhasana facilitates the three bandhas (muscular locks applied during breathing in order to direct the prana). Bhadrasana destroys all ills.

One must lead a chaste life, observe a moderate diet and practice Yoga. Moderate diet is defined as taking pleasant and sweet food and leaving one quarter of the stomach free. Sharp, sour, salty or stale food should be avoided.

The text states that siddhis (psychic powers) are not obtained by the idle, or mere theoretical reading, but only by practice.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Chapter Two

Chapter Two describes pranayama.

The Pradipika states that when the breath wanders, the mind is also unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind. It describes left and right nostril breathing, and kumbhaka (retention), puraka (inhalation) and rechaka (exhalation), which helps purify the nadis. The student should perform kumbhakas four times a day and increase the number performed as he gets more practised. The student must perform pranayama correctly and gradually to be freed of all diseases. If performed incorrectly it brings disease to the practitioner.

For people of flabby or phlegmatic constitution it is suggested the student perform the six acts or ‘kriyas’ to purify the body. These are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Tratak, Nauli and Kapalabhati, which involve passing string through the orifices of the head, or purifying the intestines and stomach by vomiting or drawing up water through the anus.

The Pradipika then goes on to describe Jalandhara bandha (throat lock) and Mula bandha (anus contraction) and the eight different kinds of kumbhakas. At the end of kumbhaka, the yogi should draw off his mind from any and every object. "The signs of perfection in Hatha Yoga are : the body becomes lean, the speech eloquent, the inner sounds are distinctly heard, the eyes are clear and bright, the body is freed of all diseases, the seminal fluid is concentrated, the digestive fire is increased, and the nadis are purified."

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Chapter Three

This chapter focuses on awakening Kundalini ('Serpent Power'), the primordial cosmic energy located in the individual.

The yogi is directed to practice the various mudras (seals), and the ten mudras that destroy old age and death are listed. Maha mudra is described, with the benefits being robust digestion of all foods, even poison.  Maha bandha is then detailed, which unites the nadis, frees one from Time (death) and enables the mind to reach its mystic centre. Maha Vedha is covered which fends off old age.

The Pradipika describes Khechari where the tongue is gradually cut (where the membrane connects the tongue to the lower mouth), and milked (with powdered salt and turmeric) over six months, with the objective of performing Khechari mudra where the tongue is turned back to the hole in the palate – this helps the mind move in space.

Uddiyana bandha (the drawing up of the intestines) is taught, and then Mula bandha which unites prana and apana, heats the body and awakens the kundalini. Viparita Karani is also described. These lead into a description of the 'energy asana', Vajrasana, which allows one to manipulate the Kundalini.

"The person following carefully the words of the guru and attentively practicing the mudras, obtains the siddhis (psychic powers), as also the art of deceiving death!"

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Chapter Four

This chapter is devoted to Raja Yoga, the stilling of the mind, where one reaches Samadhi, the state of eternal bliss.

There are 72,000 nadis of which the central one is the Sushumna. When the practitioner masters the restraint of his breath and the prana flows through the Sushumna, emancipation is obtained. Laya Yoga (absorption of the mind) ensues, when the yogi experiences the Truth in the form of resplendent light, which is the source of all things.

Swatmarama tells how Lord Siva gave 1,250,000 ways for the attainment of laya, but that the practice of nada is the best of them all. Nada is where the yogi listens with a concentrated mind to the sounds within. First. sweet tinkling sounds arising from the Anahata chakra that is in the middle of the body are heard (Arambha Avastha), then second (in Ghata Avashta) the prana becomes one and enters the middle chakra. The third stage (Parichaya Avastha) is the hearing of sounds like a drum in the space lying between the eyebrows. The fourth stage (Nishpatti) sets in, wherein are heard the sounds of flute and the mind becomes one in Raja Yoga. 

The final portion of the text reinforces the power and the benefits of practicing the nada laya and reaching Samadhi. He who reaches Samadhi is said not to be affected by death or karma, is freed from his senses and all the world cannot overpower him.