Kriya & Pranayama

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is one of the most influential texts of the Hatha Yoga tradition. Compiled in the 15th century by Yogi Svatmarama, it presents a practical path that uses the body, breath, and mind as tools for spiritual development.

The word Hatha refers to the union of opposites; Ha (sun) and Tha (moon), symbolizing the balancing of complementary forces within us (activity and receptivity, effort and surrender, vitality and awareness.)

The text is divided into four chapters:

1. Asana and yogic lifestyle
2. Kriya and Pranayama
3. Mudra and Bandha
4. Samadhi

Tomorrow’s Second Sunday workshop will focus on Kriya & Pranayama.

The traditional Kriyas, or cleansing practices, are designed to purify the body and prepare it for deeper yogic practices. Pranayama then refines and directs the flow of Prana (vital energy), helping to steady the mind and awaken greater clarity and concentration.

According to the Hatha Yoga tradition, these practices help remove obstacles within the Nadis (energy channels), particularly Ida and Pingala. As these pathways become balanced and purified, Prana is able to flow more freely through Sushumna Nadi, the central channel associated with meditation and higher states of consciousness.

Second Sunday Workshop

14 June | 9:00–10:30

Plaza Sportiva

Together we’ll explore the traditional methods of Kriya and Pranayama, their relationship to Ashtanga Yoga, and the role they play in supporting both physical vitality and inner stillness.

This introductory workshop is suitable for beginners while offering fresh insights for experienced practitioners alike.

Chale vate chalam chittam, nischale nischalam bhavet.

“When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady. When the breath becomes still, the mind too becomes still.”

Bonus!

For our convenience, the best translation of HYP is available on the Internet Archive. My recommendation is to skip the commentary and read through the original text. You will gain an overview of the techniques of yoga, which you will undoubtedly read and re-read over your lifetime until mastery. All is coming…

https://ia801602.us.archive.org/35/items/folder-20230407-20/Hatha%20Yoga%20Pradipika.pdf

(Give it a moment to load…)

Looking forward to taking a deep breath with you,

Adarsh