The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is an ancient text used by Yogis to create the
power. This is one of the earliest treatises on Hatha Yoga; all the modern books
are based on it.
This book is intended as an aid for those who wish to learn the advance practices of Hatha (Kundalini) Yoga from a qualified teacher. It is suggested that it also be used in conjunction with Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnu-Devananda, the Sivananda Companion to Yoga (known as the Book of Yoga in Britain), and Yoga Mind and Body.
Many of the instructions given here have been purposely veiled by the original writers, others need elaboration, and many require the guidance of a teacher for correction. Swami Vishnu-Devananda has repeatedly stressed that these practices are not for beginners, and that to violate this caution is to put the psyche at risk. Please therefore, follow these instructions along with the guidance of your guru. A Glossary has been prepared for this book for this third edition, the hopes that this will be used as a reference manual for serious Yoga students on all levels.
About the Author:
Swami Vishnu-Devananda was appointed the first Professor of Hatha Yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy. He founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, with Headquarters in Val Morin, Quebec, Canada and centers worldwide. He was a tireless campaigner for world peace. The work and teachings of Swami Vishnu-devananda continue through the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.
Review:
"The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a classical text on Hatha
Yoga. Swami Vishnudevananda's book is an easy to understand manual for the
successful practice of Hatha Yoga. The book contains the English translation (of
the not included sanskrit original), Brahmananda's commentary (which is very
helpful) and Swami Vishnu's own commentary, which makes the topic easy to
understand even for beginners. I carry the book with me most of the time. Having
studied with the organisation (Sivananda Yoga Vedanta) and having been initiated
by Swami Vishnu, I might find it easier to understand than a complete beginner
though. Some basic knowledge of the Yoga terms is needed to make the most of
this book. I recommend it to any serious student of Hatha Yoga. I found it very
helpful to use this book together with the book The Yoga of Light - Hatha Yoga
Pradipika by Hans-Ulrich Rieker. The latter explains some points very well,
which helps to clarify certain passages and shows them in a completely new
light. With the two books together it is possible to study the subject quite
deeply. I wish success to all the Yogis who strive for self-realisation. Om
Namah Sivaya." - Reviewer from Kenya
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