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Appendix E
'Hatha Yoga Pradipika'
Pranayama Sutras
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swatmarama is a tantric text which deals systematically with the science of evolution. Along with the Goraksha Samhita, Gheranda Samhita and Hatharatnavali, it is one of the most reliable texts on hatha yoga. Below are selected sutras from Chapter 2 which have provided source material for some of the content of this book. The sutras are arranged in verse order.
Thus being established in asana, and having control (of the body), taking balanced diet, pranayama should be practised according to the instructions of the guru. (2:1) When prana moves, chitta (the mental force) moves. When prana is without movement, chitta is without movement. By this (steadiness of prana) the yogi attains steadiness and should therefore restrain the vayu (air). (2:2) As long as the vayu (air and prana) remain in the body, that is called life. Death is when it leaves the body. Therefore, retain the vayu.
(2:3)
The vital air does not pass in the middle channel because the nadis are full of impurities, so how can the state of unmani arise, and how can perfection or siddhi come about?
(2:4)
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