Having Become Competent in Practicing Asanas, with the Senses Under Control... | Chapter 2:1-6

Hatha yoga, which is a ladder for those who would like to ascend to the lofty raja yoga.

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Chapter II

Having Become Competent in Practicing Asanas, with the Senses Under Control..

II.1 Having become competent in practicing asanas, with the senses under control and following an appropriate, moderate diet, the yogi should then begin practicing pranayama as instructed. by the teacher.

2 When the breath is disturbed, it shows that the mind is unsteady. When the breath becomes calm, the mind is calm, and the yogi becomes strong and steady. Therefore, one should practice restraining the breath.

3 Life exits as long as there is prana in the body. When prana leaves the body, there is death. Therefore, one should practice restraining the breath.

4 When the nadis (internal channels) are full of impurities, the breath cannot flow to the shushumna (central channel). How can the goal of samadhi be attained in this state?

5 Only when all the nadis are purified, will the yogi be able to fully control the withdrawal of the senses caused by the flow of prana.

6 Therefore, practice pranayama every day with a sattvic (pure) mind in order to purify the shushuma nadi.

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