Haṭhapradīpikā 3: Mudrā and Kuṇḍalinī

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.6

mahā-mudrā mahā-bandho; mahā-vedhaś ca khecarī | uḍḍīyāṇaṃ, mūla-bandhas; tato jālandharābhidhaḥ ||6||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrā | nom sg), Mahābandha (mahā-bandhaḥ | nom sg), Mahāvedha (mahā-vedhaḥ | nom sg), and (ca) Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg); Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇam | nom sg), Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg), and afterwards (tataḥ) the [lock] called Jālandhara (jālandhara-abhidhaḥ | nom sg m),

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.7

karaṇī viparītākhyā; vajrolī śakti-cālanam | idaṃ mudrādi-daśakaṃ; jarā-maraṇa-nāśanam ||7||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

the technique (karaṇī | nom sg) called inverted (viparīta-ākhyā | nom sg f), Vajrolī (vajrolī | nom sg), and moving Śakti (śakti-cālanam | nom sg): this (idam | nom sg n) group of ten mudrās and other practices (mudrā-ādi-daśakam | nom sg) destroys old age and death (jarā-maraṇa-nāśanam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.8

ādi-nāthoditaṃ divyam; aṣṭaiśvarya-pradāyakam | vallabhaṃ sarva-siddhānāṃ; durlabhaṃ marutām api ||8||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Taught by the primordial Lord (ādi-nātha-uditam | nom sg n ppp), divine (divyam | nom sg n), bestowing the eight supernatural powers (aṣṭa-aiśvarya-pradāyakam | nom sg n), cherished (vallabham | nom sg n) by all adepts (sarva-siddhānām | gen pl), it is difficult to obtain (durlabham | nom sg n), even (api) for the gods (marutām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.9

gopanīyaṃ prayatnena; yathā ratna-karaṇḍakam | kasyacin naiva vaktavyaṃ; kula-strī-surataṃ yathā ||9||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

It should be concealed (gopanīyam | nom sg n pfp) with care (prayatnena | ins sg), like (yathā) a jewel casket (ratna-karaṇḍakam | nom sg); it must never (na eva) be told (vaktavyam | nom sg n pfp) to any person (kasyacit | gen sg m), like (yathā) sexual union with a woman of good family (kula-strī-suratam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.10

pāda-mūlena vāmena; yoniṃ saṃpīḍya dakṣiṇam | pādaṃ prasāritaṃ dhṛtvā; karābhyāṃ pūrayen mukhe ||10||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having pressed (saṃpīḍya | abs) the perineal region (yonim | acc sg) with the heel of the left foot (pāda-mūlena vāmena | ins sg), one should hold (dhṛtvā | abs), with both hands (karābhyām | ins du), the right (dakṣiṇam | acc sg m), extended (prasāritam | acc sg m ppp) foot (pādam | acc sg) and inhale (pūrayet | 3p sg act opt caus) through the mouth (mukhe | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.11

kaṇṭhe bandhaṃ samāropya; dhārayed vāyum ūrdhvataḥ | yathā daṇḍāhataḥ sarpo; daṇḍākāraḥ prajāyate ||11||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having applied (samāropya | abs) the lock (bandham | acc sg) at the throat (kaṇṭhe | loc sg), one should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt caus) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) above (ūrdhvataḥ), just as (yathā) a snake struck by a staff (daṇḍa-āhataḥ sarpaḥ | nom sg) assumes (prajāyate | 3p sg med pres) the shape of a staff (daṇḍa-ākāraḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.12

ṛjvī-bhūtā tathā śaktiḥ; kuṇḍalī sahasā bhavet | tadāsau maraṇāvasthā; jāyate dvi-puṭāśritā ||12||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

So (tathā) Śakti (śaktiḥ | nom sg), Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalī | nom sg), becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) suddenly (sahasā) straightened (ṛjvī-bhūtā | nom sg f ppp); then (tadā) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) this (asau | nom sg f) death-like state (maraṇa-avasthā | nom sg), resting in the vessel with two halves (dvi-puṭa-aśritā | nom sg f ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.13

tataḥ śanaiḥ śanair eva; recayen na tu vegataḥ | iyaṃ khalu mahā-mudrā; mahā-siddhaiḥ pradarśitā ||13||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Afterwards (tataḥ), one should exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt caus) slowly (śanaiḥ), slowly (śanaiḥ), indeed (eva), but not (na tu) forcefully (vegataḥ); this (iyam | nom sg f) is truly (khalu) Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrā | nom sg), revealed (pradarśitā | nom sg f ppp) by the great adepts (mahā-siddhaiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.14

mahā-kleśādayo doṣā; jīryante maraṇādayaḥ | mahā-mudrāṃ ca tenaiva; vadanti vibudhottamāḥ ||14||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Disorders (doṣāḥ | nom pl) such as the great afflictions (mahā-kleśa-ādayaḥ | nom pl m), as well as death and the rest (maraṇa-ādayaḥ | nom pl m), dissolve (jīryante | 3p pl pas pres). And (ca) precisely for that reason (tena eva), the foremost sages (vibudha-uttamāḥ | nom pl m) call (vadanti | 3p pl act pres) it Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrām | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.15

candrāṅge tu samabhyasya; sūryāṅge punar abhyaset | yāvat tulyā bhavet saṃkhyā; tato mudrāṃ visarjayet ||15||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having now (tu) practised (samabhyasya | abs) on the lunar side (candra-aṅge | loc sg), one should then (punar) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) on the solar side (sūrya-aṅge | loc sg); when (yāvat) the count (saṃkhyā | nom sg) has become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) equal (tulyā | nom sg f), then (tataḥ) one should release (visarjayet | 3p sg act opt) the mudrā (mudrām | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.16

na hi pathyam apathyaṃ vā; rasāḥ sarve 'pi nīrasāḥ | api bhuktaṃ viṣaṃ ghoraṃ; pīyūṣam iva jīryate ||16||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For (hi) there is no (na) wholesome food (pathyam | nom sg n) or (vā) unwholesome food (apathyam | nom sg n); all flavours (rasāḥ sarve | nom pl) are also (api) without effect (nīrasāḥ | nom pl m). Even (api) terrible poison that has been eaten (bhuktaṃ viṣaṃ ghoram | nom sg) is digested (jīryate | 3p sg pas pres) like (iva) nectar (pīyūṣam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.17

kṣaya-kuṣṭha-gudāvarta;-gulmājīrṇa-puro-gamāḥ | tasya doṣāḥ kṣayaṃ yānti; mahā-mudrāṃ tu yo 'bhyaset ||17||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one (tasya | gen sg m) who (yaḥ | nom sg m), indeed (tu), practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrām | acc sg), disorders (doṣāḥ | nom pl) led by consumption, skin disease, constipation, swelling, and indigestion (kṣaya-kuṣṭha-gudāvarta-gulma-ajīrṇa-puro-gamāḥ | nom pl m) pass (yānti | 3p pl act pres) into dissolution (kṣayam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.18

kathiteyaṃ mahā-mudrā; mahā-siddhi-karī nṛṇām | gopanīyā prayatnena; na deyā yasya kasyacit ||18||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (iyam | nom sg f) Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrā | nom sg), which brings about great accomplishment (mahā-siddhi-karī | nom sg f) for people (nṛṇām | gen pl), has been taught (kathitā | nom sg f ppp); it is to be concealed (gopanīyā | nom sg f pfp) with care (prayatnena | ins sg) and not (na) given (deyā | nom sg f pfp) to whomever (yasya | gen sg m), that is, just anyone (kasyacit | gen sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.19

pārṣṇiṃ vāmasya pādasya; yoni-sthāne niyojayet | vāmorūpari saṃsthāpya; dakṣiṇaṃ caraṇaṃ tathā ||19||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should place (niyojayet | 3p sg act opt caus) the heel (pārṣṇim | acc sg) of the left foot (vāmasya pādasya | gen sg) at the perineal region (yoni-sthāne | loc sg); having likewise (tathā) placed (saṃsthāpya | abs) the right foot (dakṣiṇam caraṇam | acc sg) upon the left thigh (vāma-ūru-upari),

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.20

pūrayitvā mukhe vāyuṃ; hṛdaye cibukaṃ dṛḍham | nibhṛtya yonim ākuñcya; mano madhye niyojayet ||20||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

having inhaled (pūrayitvā | abs) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) through the mouth (mukhe | loc sg), firmly lowered (nibhṛtya | abs) the chin (cibukam dṛḍham | acc sg) to the chest (hṛdaye | loc sg), and contracted (ākuñcya | abs) the perineal region (yonim | acc sg), one should direct (niyojayet | 3p sg act opt caus) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) into the centre (madhye | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.21

recayec ca śanair eva; mahā-bandho 'yam ucyate ||21||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

And (ca) one should exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt) very slowly (śanaiḥ eva). This (ayam | nom sg m) is called (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) Mahābandha (mahā-bandhaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.21*1

dhārayitvā yathā-śaktyā; recayed anilaṃ śanaiḥ | savyāṅge ca samabhyasya; dakṣāṅge ca samabhyaset ||21*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having held (dhārayitvā | abs) the breath according to one's capacity (yathā-śaktyā | ins sg), one should slowly (śanaiḥ) exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath wind (anilam | acc sg). Having practised (samabhyasya | abs) on the left side (savyāṅge | loc sg), one should also (ca) practise (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) on the right side (dakṣāṅge | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.21*2

matam atra tu keṣāṃcit; kaṇṭha-bandhaṃ visarjayet | rāja-danta-bilaṃ tatra; jihvayottambhayed iti ||21*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Here, however (atra tu), some (keṣāṃcit | gen pl) hold the view (matam | nom sg n ppp) that one should release (visarjayet | 3p sg act opt) the throat lock (kaṇṭha-bandham | acc sg). There (tatra), so it is said (iti), one should use the tongue (jihvayā | ins sg) to support (uttambhayet | 3p sg caus opt) the cavity at the Rājadanta (rāja-danta-bilam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.22

amuṃ yogī mahā-bandhaṃ; mahā-siddhi-pradāyakam | savyāṅge ca samabhyasya; dakṣāṅge ca samabhyaset ||22||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having practised (samabhyasya | abs) on the left side (savyāṅge | loc sg) this (amum | acc sg m) Mahābandha that bestows great accomplishment (mahā-siddhi-pradāyakaṃ mahā-bandham | acc sg), the yogi (yogī | nom sg) should also (ca) practise it (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) on the right side (dakṣāṅge | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.22*1

ayaṃ khalu mahā-bandho; mahā-siddhi-pradāyakaḥ | kāla-pāśa-mahā-bandha;-vimocana-vicakṣaṇaḥ ||22*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (ayam | nom sg m) is truly (khalu) the great lock (mahā-bandhaḥ | nom sg), which bestows great accomplishment (mahā-siddhi-pradāyakaḥ | nom sg m). It is skilled at releasing the great bond of the noose of death (kāla-pāśa-mahā-bandha-vimocana-vicakṣaṇaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.23

ayaṃ ca sarva-nāḍīnām; ūrdhvaṃ-gati-vibodhakaḥ | triveṇī-saṃgamaṃ dhatte; kedāraṃ prāpayen manaḥ ||23||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (ayam | nom sg m) also (ca) awakens the upward movement (ūrdhvam-gati-vibodhakaḥ | nom sg m) of all the channels (sarva-nāḍīnām | gen pl). It brings about (dhatte | 3p sg med pres) the confluence at Triveṇī (triveṇī-saṅgamam | acc sg) and should cause (prāpayet | 3p sg caus opt) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) to reach Kedāra (kedāram | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.24

rūpa-lāvaṇya-saṃpannā; yathā strī puruṣaṃ vinā | mahā-mudrā-mahā-bandhau; niṣphalau vedha-varjitau ||24||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as (yathā) a woman (strī | nom sg), endowed with beauty and grace (rūpa-lāvaṇya-saṃpannā | nom sg f ppp), is fruitless without (vinā) a man (puruṣam | acc sg), so Mahāmudrā and Mahābandha (mahā-mudrā-mahā-bandhau | nom du), when deprived of Vedha (vedha-varjitau | nom du m ppp), are fruitless (niṣphalau | nom du m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.25

mahā-bandha-sthito yogī; kṛtvā pūrakam eka-dhīḥ | vāyūnāṃ gatim āvṛtya; nibhṛtaṃ kaṇṭha-mudrayā ||25||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The yogi established in Mahābandha (mahā-bandha-sthito yogī | nom sg), one-pointed in mind (eka-dhīḥ | nom sg m bv), having performed (kṛtvā | abs) the inhalation (pūrakam | acc sg) and firmly (nibhṛtam | acc sg n ppp) blocked (āvṛtya | abs) the movement (gatim | acc sg) of the bodily winds (vāyūnām | gen pl) with the throat seal (kaṇṭha-mudrayā | ins sg),

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.26

sama-hasta-yugo bhūmau; sphijau saṃtāḍayec chanaiḥ | puṭa-dvayaṃ samākramya; vāyuḥ sphurati satvaram ||26||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

with both hands placed evenly on the ground (sama-hasta-yugaḥ | nom sg), should gently (śanaiḥ) tap (saṃtāḍayet | 3p sg caus opt) both halves of the buttocks (sphijau | acc du) on the ground (bhūmau | loc sg). Having entered (samākramya | abs) the pair of two openings (puṭa-dvayam | acc sg), the breath (vāyuḥ | nom sg) pulses (sphurati | 3p sg act pres) quickly (satvaram).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.27

soma-sūryāgni-saṃbandho; jāyate cāmṛtāya vai | mṛtāvasthā samutpannā; tato mṛtyu-bhayaṃ kutaḥ ||27||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The union of moon, sun, and fire (soma-sūrya-agni-saṃbandhaḥ | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres), and (ca) indeed (vai) leads to immortality (amṛtāya | dat sg); when the death-like state (mṛta-avasthā | nom sg) has arisen (samutpannā | nom sg f ppp), whence (kutaḥ), then (tataḥ), could fear of death (mṛtyu-bhayam | nom sg) come?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.28

mahā-vedho 'yam abhyāsān; mahā-siddhi-pradāyakaḥ | valī-palita-vepa-ghnaḥ; sevyate sādhakottamaiḥ ||28||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through practice (abhyāsāt | abl sg), this Mahāvedha (mahāvedho’yam | nom sg) bestows great accomplishment (mahā-siddhi-pradāyakaḥ | nom sg m); it destroys wrinkles, grey hair, and trembling (valī-palita-vepa-ghnaḥ | nom sg m) and is practised (sevyate | 3p sg pas pres) by the foremost practitioners (sādhakottamaiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.29

etat trayaṃ mahā-guhyaṃ; jarā-mṛtyu-vināśanam | vahni-vṛddhi-karaṃ caiva; aṇimādi-guṇa-pradam ||29||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This triad (etat trayam | nom sg) is a great secret (mahā-guhyam | nom sg n), destroys old age and death (jarā-mṛtyu-vināśanam | nom sg n), brings about the growth of the fire (vahni-vṛddhi-karam | nom sg n), and indeed (caiva) bestows the powers beginning with Aṇimā (aṇimā-ādi-guṇa-pradam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.30

aṣṭa-dhā kriyate caitad; yāme yāme dine dine | puṇya-saṃbhāra-saṃbhāvi; pāpaugha-bhiduraṃ sadā ||30||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (etat | nom sg n) is practised (kriyate | 3p sg pas pres) eightfold (aṣṭa-dhā), at every three-hour period (yāme yāme | loc sg), day after day (dine dine | loc sg). It produces an abundance of merit (puṇya-saṃbhāra-saṃbhāvi | nom sg n) and always (sadā) breaks apart the flood of demerit (pāpa-ogha-bhiduram | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.31

samyak-śikṣā-vatām eva; svalpaṃ prathama-sādhane | vahni-strī-patha-sevānām; ādau varjanam ādiśet ||31||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Only (eva) to those who have been properly instructed (samyak-śikṣā-vatām | gen pl) should it be given in small measure (svalpam | acc sg n) at the beginning of practice (prathama-sādhane | loc sg); at the outset (ādau | loc sg), one should prescribe (ādiśet | 3p sg act opt) avoidance (varjanam | acc sg) of frequenting fire, women, and roads (vahni-strī-patha-sevānām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.32

chedana-cālana-dohaiḥ, kalāṃ krameṇa pravardhayet tāvat | sā yāvad bhrū-madhyaṃ, spṛśati tadā khecarī-siddhiḥ ||32||

Metre: Āryā

By cutting, moving, and milking (chedana-cālana-dohaiḥ | ins pl), one should gradually (krameṇa | ins sg) lengthen (pravardhayet | 3p sg caus opt) the tongue (kalām | acc sg) so long (tāvat), until (yāvat) it (sā | nom sg f) touches (spṛśati | 3p sg act pres) the middle of the brows (bhrū-madhyam | acc sg); then (tadā) perfection of Khecarī (khecarī-siddhiḥ | nom sg) is attained.

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.33

kapāla-kuhare jihvā; praviṣṭā viparīta-gā | bhruvor antar-gatā dṛṣṭir; mudrā bhavati khecarī ||33||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When the tongue (jihvā | nom sg), turned backward (viparīta-gā | nom sg f), has entered (praviṣṭā | nom sg f ppp) the cavity of the skull (kapāla-kuhare | loc sg), and the gaze (dṛṣṭiḥ | nom sg) has gone within (antar-gatā | nom sg f ppp) between the two eyebrows (bhruvoḥ | gen du), the mudrā (mudrā | nom sg) Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg) arises (bhavati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.34

kalāṃ parāṅ-mukhīṃ kṛtvā; kṣaṇārdhaṃ yadi tiṣṭhati | kṣaṇena mucyate yogī; vyādhi-mṛtyu-jarādibhiḥ ||34||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

If (yadi), having turned (kṛtvā | abs) the tongue (kalām | acc sg) backward (parāṅ-mukhīm | acc sg f), one remains (tiṣṭhati | 3p sg act pres) for half an instant (kṣaṇa-ardham | acc sg), the yogi (yogī | nom sg) is instantly (kṣaṇena | ins sg) freed (mucyate | 3p sg pas pres) from disease, death, old age, and the like (vyādhi-mṛtyu-jarā-ādibhiḥ | abl pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā

kalāṃ parāṅ-mukhīṃ kṛtvā; tri-pathe parivartayet | sā bhavet khecarī mudrā; vyoma-cakraṃ tad ucyate ||34*1|| rasanām ūrdhva-gāṃ kṛtvā; kṣaṇārdhaṃ yadi tiṣṭhati | kṣaṇena mucyate yogī; vyādhi-mṛtyu-jarādibhiḥ ||34*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having turned (kṛtvā | abs) the tongue (kalām | acc sg) backward (parāṅ-mukhīm | acc sg f), one should rotate it (parivartayet | 3p sg caus opt) at the threefold path (tri-pathe | loc sg). This (sā | nom sg f) is (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) Khecarī Mudrā (khecarī mudrā | nom sg); that (tat | nom sg n) is called (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) the space Cakra (vyoma-cakram | nom sg). If (yadi), having turned (kṛtvā | abs) the tongue (rasanām | acc sg) upward (ūrdhva-gām | acc sg f), one remains (tiṣṭhati | 3p sg act pres) for half an instant (kṣaṇa-ardham | acc sg), the yogi (yogī | nom sg) is instantly (kṣaṇena | ins sg) freed (mucyate | 3p sg pas pres) from disease, death, old age, and the like (vyādhi-mṛtyu-jarā-ādibhiḥ | abl pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.35

na rogo maraṇaṃ tasya; na nidrā na kṣudhā tṛṣā | na ca mūrchā bhavet tasya; yo mudrāṃ vetti khecarīm ||35||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one (tasya | gen sg m) who (yaḥ | nom sg m) knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) the mudrā (mudrām | acc sg) Khecarī (khecarīm | acc sg), there is no (na) disease (rogaḥ | nom sg), no death (maraṇam | nom sg), no (na) sleep (nidrā | nom sg), no (na) hunger (kṣudhā | nom sg) or thirst (tṛṣā | nom sg), and no (na ca) fainting (mūrchā | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.36

pīḍyate na sa rogeṇa; na ca lipyati karmaṇā | bādhyate na ca kālena; yo mudrāṃ vetti khecarīm ||36||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One (saḥ | nom sg m) who (yaḥ | nom sg m) knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) the mudrā (mudrām | acc sg) Khecarī (khecarīm | acc sg) is not (na) afflicted (pīḍyate | 3p sg pas pres) by disease (rogeṇa | ins sg), nor (na ca) tainted (lipyati | 3p sg act pres) by karma (karmaṇā | ins sg), nor (na ca) tormented (bādhyate | 3p sg pas pres) by death (kālena | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.37

cittaṃ carati khe yasmāj; jihvā carati khe gatā | tenaiṣā khecarī nāma; mudrā siddhair namaskṛtā ||37||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Because (yasmāt | abl sg) the mind (cittam | nom sg) moves (carati | 3p sg act pres) in space (khe | loc sg), and the tongue (jihvā | nom sg), having gone (gatā | nom sg f ppp) into space (khe | loc sg), moves (carati | 3p sg act pres) there, therefore (tena | ins sg n) this (eṣā | nom sg f) mudrā (mudrā | nom sg) is called (nāma) Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg) and is revered (namaskṛtā | nom sg f ppp) by the Siddhas (siddhaiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.38

khecaryā mudritaṃ yena; vivaraṃ lambikordhvataḥ | tasya na kṣarate binduḥ; kāminyāśleṣitasya ca ||38||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one by whom (yena | ins sg m) the opening (vivaram | nom acc sg) above the uvula (lambikā-ūrdhvataḥ) has been sealed (mudritam | nom sg n ppp) by Khecarī (khecaryā | ins sg), his (tasya | gen sg m) Bindu (binduḥ | nom sg) does not (na) flow out (kṣarate | 3p sg med pres), even (ca) when he is embraced (āśleṣitasya | gen sg m ppp) by a desirous woman (kāminyā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.39

calito 'pi yadā binduḥ; saṃprāpto yoni-maṇḍalam | vrajaty ūrdhvaṃ hataḥ śaktyā; nibaddho yoni-mudrayā ||39||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Even (api) when (yadā) Bindu (binduḥ | nom sg), having moved (calitaḥ | nom sg m ppp), has reached (saṃprāptaḥ | nom sg m ppp) the region of the yoni (yoni-maṇḍalam | acc sg), it goes (vrajati | 3p sg act pres) upward (ūrdhvam), driven (hataḥ | nom sg m ppp) by Śakti (śaktyā | ins sg) and bound (nibaddhaḥ | nom sg m ppp) by Yoni Mudrā (yoni-mudrayā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.39*1

kapāla-kuhare jihvā; kalā-sandhāna-mudrayā ||39*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the mudrā of joining Kalā (kalā-sandhāna-mudrayā | ins sg), the tongue (jihvā | nom sg) [is placed] in the cavity of the skull (kapāla-kuhare | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.40

ūrdhva-jihvaḥ sthito bhūtvā; soma-pānaṃ karoti yaḥ | māsārdhena na saṃdeho; mṛtyuṃ jayati yoga-vit ||40||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One who (yaḥ | nom sg m), having become so (bhūtvā | abs), remains (sthitaḥ | nom sg m ppp) with the tongue turned upward (ūrdhva-jihvaḥ | nom sg m) and performs (karoti | 3p sg act pres) the drinking of Soma (soma-pānam | acc sg), that knower of yoga (yoga-vit | nom sg m) conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg) in half a month (māsa-ardhena | ins sg); there is no (na) doubt (saṃdehaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.41

nityaṃ soma-kalā-pūrṇaṃ; śarīraṃ yasya yoginaḥ | takṣakeṇāpi daṣṭasya; viṣaṃ tasya na sarpati ||41||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one whose (yasya | gen sg m) body (śarīram | nom sg), the body of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg), is always (nityam) filled with the lunar Kalā (soma-kalā-pūrṇam | nom sg n ppp), even (api) when he has been bitten (daṣṭasya | gen sg m ppp) by Takṣaka (takṣakeṇa | ins sg), its (tasya | gen sg m) poison (viṣam | nom sg) does not (na) spread (sarpati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.42

indhanāni yathā vahnis; taila-vartiṃ ca dīpakaḥ | tathā soma-kalā-pūrṇaṃ; dehī dehaṃ na muñcati ||42||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as (yathā) fire (vahniḥ | nom sg) does not leave its fuels (indhanāni | acc pl), nor a lamp (dīpakaḥ | nom sg) its oil-soaked wick (taila-vartim | acc sg), so (tathā) the embodied one (dehī | nom sg) does not (na) leave (muñcati | 3p sg act pres) the body filled with the lunar Kalā (soma-kalā-pūrṇam deham | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.43

go-māṃsaṃ bhakṣayen nityaṃ; pibed amara-vāruṇīm | kulīnaṃ tam ahaṃ manye; itare kula-ghātakāḥ ||43||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should always (nityam) eat (bhakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) "cow flesh" (go-māṃsam | acc sg) and drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) the immortal Vāruṇī (amara-vāruṇīm | acc sg); I (aham | nom sg) consider (manye | 1p sg med pres) that person (tam | acc sg m) noble (kulīnam | acc sg m), and the others (itare | nom pl m) destroyers of the lineage (kula-ghātakāḥ | nom pl m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.44

go-śabdenoditā jihvā; tat-praveśo hi tāluni | go-māṃsa-bhakṣaṇaṃ tat tu; mahā-pātaka-nāśanam ||44||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

By the word "cow" (go-śabdena | ins sg), the tongue (jihvā | nom sg) is designated (uditā | nom sg f ppp); its entry (tat-praveśaḥ | nom sg) into the palate (tāluni | loc sg), indeed (hi), that (tat | nom sg n) is, however (tu), the eating of "cow flesh" (go-māṃsa-bhakṣaṇam | nom sg) and the destruction of great transgressions (mahā-pātaka-nāśanam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.45

jihvā-praveśa-saṃbhūta; vahninotpāditaḥ khalu | candrāt sravati yaḥ sāraḥ; sā syād amara-vāruṇī ||45||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The essence (sāraḥ | nom sg) that (yaḥ | nom sg m) flows (sravati | 3p sg act pres) from the moon (candrāt | abl sg), truly (khalu) produced (utpāditaḥ | nom sg m ppp) by the fire (vahninā | ins sg) arising from the tongue's entry (jihvā-praveśa-saṃbhūta | ppp), this (sā | nom sg f) is (syāt | 3p sg act opt) the immortal Vāruṇī (amara-vāruṇī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.46

mūrdhnaḥ ṣoḍaśa-padma-pattra-galitaṃ, prāṇād avāptaṃ haṭhād ūrdhvāsyo rasanāṃ niyamya vivare, śaktiṃ parāṃ cintayet | utkallola-kalā-jalaṃ ca vimalaṃ, dhārāmṛtaṃ yaḥ piben nir-doṣaḥ sa mṛṇāla-komala-vapur, yogī ciraṃ jīvati ||46||

Metre: Śārdūlavikrīḍita

With the face turned upward (ūrdhva-āsyaḥ | nom sg), having fixed (niyamya | abs) the tongue (rasanām | acc sg) in the opening (vivare | loc sg), one should contemplate (cintayet | 3p sg act opt) the supreme Śakti (śaktim parām | acc sg): the nectar obtained (avāptam | acc sg n ppp) forcefully (haṭhāt) through Prāṇa (prāṇāt | abl sg), having dripped from the head (mūrdhnaḥ | abl gen sg) into the sixteen lotus petals (ṣoḍaśa-padma-pattra-galitam | acc sg n ppp). The one who (yaḥ | nom sg m) drinks (pibet | 3p sg act opt) the surging water of the lunar Kalā (utkallola-kalā-jalam | acc sg) and (ca) the pure (vimalam | acc sg n) stream of nectar (dhārā-amṛtam | acc sg), that (saḥ | nom sg m) yogi (yogī | nom sg) lives (jīvati | 3p sg act pres) long (ciram), free from disease (nir-doṣaḥ | nom sg), with a body soft as lotus fibre (mṛṇāla-komala-vapuḥ | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.47

cumbantī yadi lambikāgram aniśaṃ, jihvā rasa-syandinī sa-kṣārā kaṭukātha dugdha-sadṛśā, madhvājya-tulyāthavā | vyādhīnāṃ haraṇaṃ jarānta-karaṇaṃ, śāstrāgamodīraṇaṃ tasya syād amaratvam aṣṭa-guṇa-vat, siddhāṅganākarṣaṇam ||47||

Metre: Śārdūlavikrīḍita

If (yadi) the tongue (jihvā | nom sg), causing nectar to flow (rasa-syandinī | nom sg f), continuously (aniśam) kisses (cumbantī | nom sg f pca) the tip of the uvula (lambikā-agram | acc sg), whether it is salty (sa-kṣārā | nom sg f), pungent (kaṭukā | nom sg f), like milk (dugdha-sadṛśā | nom sg f), or (athavā) equal to honey and ghee (madhu-ājya-tulyā | nom sg f), then for him (tasya | gen sg m) there will be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) the removal (haraṇam | nom sg) of diseases (vyādhīnām | gen pl), the ending of old age (jarā-anta-karaṇam | nom sg), the manifestation of Śāstra and Āgama (śāstra-āgama-udīraṇam | nom sg), immortality (amaratvam | nom sg), eightfold power (aṣṭa-guṇa-vat), and the attraction of Siddha women (siddha-aṅganā-ākarṣaṇam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.48

ekaṃ sṛṣṭi-mayaṃ bījam; ekā mudrā ca khecarī | eko devo nir-ālamba; ekāvasthā manonmanī ||48||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One (ekam | nom sg n) seed filled with creation (sṛṣṭi-mayam bījam | nom sg), one (ekā | nom sg f) mudrā (mudrā | nom sg), namely Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg), and (ca) one (ekaḥ | nom sg m) unsupported god (devaḥ nir-ālambaḥ | nom sg); one (ekā | nom sg f) state (avasthā | nom sg), Unmanī beyond mind (manas-unmanī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.48*1

pātāle yad, viśati suṣiraṃ, meru-mūle tad asmin; tattvaṃ caitat, pravadati sudhīs, tan mukhaṃ nimnagānām | candrāt sāraḥ, sravati vapuṣas, tena mṛtyur narāṇāṃ; taṃ badhnīyāt, su-karaṇa-mṛdā, nānyathā kāya-siddhiḥ ||48*1||

Metre: Mandākrāntā

What (yad | nom acc sg n) enters (viśati | 3p sg act pres) below, in Pātāla (pātāle | loc sg), into the opening (suṣiram | nom acc sg), that (tad | nom acc sg n) [is situated] at this (asmin | loc sg n) root of Meru (meru-mūle | loc sg). And (ca) this (etat | nom acc sg n), this principle (tattvam | nom acc sg), this mouth (tat mukham | acc sg n) of the rivers (nimnagānām | gen pl), the wise one (sudhīs | nom sg) proclaims (pravadati | 3p sg act pres). From the moon (candrāt | abl sg) flows (sravati | 3p sg act pres) the essence (sāraḥ | nom sg) of the body (vapuṣas | gen sg); through it (tena | ins sg n) arises the death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) of people (narāṇām | gen pl). One should bind (badhnīyāt | 3p sg act opt) this stream (tam | acc sg m) with the clay of the good technique (su-karaṇa-mṛdā | ins sg); otherwise (anyathā), there is no (na) perfection of the body (kāya-siddhiḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.49

pārṣṇi-bhāgena saṃpīḍya; yonim ākuñcayed gudam | apānam ūrdhvam ākṛṣya; mūla-bandho 'yam iṣyate ||49||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having pressed (saṃpīḍya | abs) the perineum (yonim | acc sg) with the part of the heel (pārṣṇi-bhāgena | ins sg), one should contract (ākuñcayet | 3p sg act opt) the anus (gudam | acc sg); having drawn (ākṛṣya | abs) Apāna (apānam | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam), this (ayam | nom sg m) is considered (iṣyate | 3p sg pas pres) Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.50

adho-gatim apānaṃ vai; ūrdhva-gaṃ kurute balāt | ākuñcanena taṃ prāhur; mūla-bandhaṃ hi yoginaḥ ||50||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One forcefully (balāt | abl sg) makes (kurute | 3p sg med pres) Apāna (apānam | acc sg), which moves downward (adhas-gatim | acc sg), move upward (ūrdhva-gam | acc sg m), indeed (vai). Because of the contraction (ākuñcanena | ins sg), the yogis (yoginaḥ | nom pl) therefore (hi) call (prāhuḥ | 3p pl perf) it (tam | acc sg m) Mūlabandha (mūla-bandham | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.51

gudaṃ pārṣṇyā tu saṃpīḍya; vāyum ākuñcayed balāt | vāraṃ vāraṃ yathā cordhvaṃ; samāyāti samīraṇaḥ ||51||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having pressed (saṃpīḍya | abs) the anus (gudam | acc sg) with the heel (pārṣṇyā | ins sg), one should now (tu) forcefully (balāt | abl sg) contract (ākuñcayet | 3p sg act opt) the wind (vāyum | acc sg), again (vāram) and again (vāram), so that (yathā) the breath (samīraṇaḥ | nom sg) also (ca) goes (samāyāti | 3p sg act pres) upward (ūrdhvam).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.52

prāṇāpānau, nāda-bindū; mūla-bandhena caikatām | gatvā yogasya saṃsiddhiṃ; yacchato nātra saṃśayaḥ ||52||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Prāṇa and Apāna (prāṇa-apānau | nom du), as well as Nāda and Bindu (nāda-bindū | nom du), having reached (gatvā | abs) unity (ekatām | acc sg) through Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhena | ins sg), and (ca) bestowing (yacchataḥ | nom du pca) the complete accomplishment (saṃsiddhim | acc sg) of yoga (yogasya | gen sg), leave no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg) here (atra).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.53

apāna-prāṇayor aikyaṃ; kṣayo mūtra-purīṣayoḥ | yuvā bhavati vṛddho 'pi; satataṃ mūla-bandhanāt ||53||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through continuous (satatam) Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhanāt | abl sg) arise the unity (aikyam | nom sg) of Apāna and Prāṇa (apāna-prāṇayoḥ | gen du) and the reduction (kṣayaḥ | nom sg) of urine and faeces (mūtra-purīṣayoḥ | gen du); even (api) an old man (vṛddhaḥ | nom sg m) becomes (bhavati | 3p sg act pres) young (yuvā | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.54

apāne cordhva-ge jāte; saṃprāpte vahni-maṇḍalam | tadānala-śikhā dīrghā; vardhate vāyunāhatā ||54||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When Apāna (apāne | loc sg) has also (ca) become (jāte | loc sg m ppp) upward-moving (ūrdhva-ge | loc sg m) and has reached (saṃprāpte | loc sg m ppp) the orb of fire (vahni-maṇḍalam | acc sg), then (tadā) the flame of fire (anala-śikhā | nom sg), made tall (dīrghā | nom sg f), grows (vardhate | 3p sg med pres), fanned (āhatā | nom sg f ppp) by the wind (vāyunā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.55

tato yātau, vahnyapānau; prāṇam uṣṇa-svarūpakam | tenātyanta-pradīptas tu; jvalano deha-jas tadā ||55||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Thereupon (tataḥ), fire and Apāna (vahni-apānau | nom du) have gone (yātau | nom du m ppp) to Prāṇa (prāṇam | acc sg), which has a hot nature (uṣṇa-svarūpakam | acc sg m). Through this (tena | ins sg n), then (tadā), the fire (jvalanaḥ | nom sg) born in the body (deha-jaḥ | nom sg m) also (tu) becomes intensely kindled (atyanta-pradīptaḥ | nom sg m ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.56

tena kuṇḍalinī suptā; saṃtaptā saṃprabudhyate | daṇḍāhatā bhujaṅgīva; niśvasya ṛjutāṃ vrajet ||56||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through this (tena | ins sg n), the sleeping (suptā | nom sg f ppp) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalinī | nom sg), heated (saṃtaptā | nom sg f ppp), awakens (saṃprabudhyate | 3p sg med pres). Like (iva) a female snake struck by a staff (daṇḍa-āhatā bhujaṅgī | nom sg), having hissed (niśvasya | abs), she should become (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) straight (ṛjutām | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.57

bilaṃ praviṣṭeva tato; brahma-nāḍyantaraṃ vrajet | tasmān nityaṃ, mūla-bandhaḥ; kartavyo yogibhiḥ sadā ||57||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Then (tataḥ), like (iva) one that has entered (praviṣṭā | nom sg f ppp) a hole (bilam | acc sg), she should enter (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) the interior of the Brahma channel (brahma-nāḍī-antaram | acc sg). Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg), Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg) is to be practised (kartavyaḥ | nom sg m pfp) by yogis (yogibhiḥ | ins pl) always (sadā) and regularly (nityam).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.58

baddho yena suṣumṇāyāṃ; prāṇas tūḍḍīyate yataḥ | tasmād uḍḍīyaṇākhyo 'yaṃ; yogibhiḥ samudāhṛtaḥ ||58||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Because (yataḥ), when bound (baddhaḥ | nom sg m ppp) by it (yena | ins sg m), Prāṇa (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) now (tu) flies upward (uḍḍīyate | 3p sg pas pres) in Suṣumṇā (suṣumṇāyām | loc sg), therefore (tasmāt | abl sg) this (ayam | nom sg m) is named and declared (samudāhṛtaḥ | nom sg m ppp) by yogis (yogibhiḥ | ins pl) as Uḍḍīyaṇa (uḍḍīyaṇa-ākhyaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.59

uḍyāṇaṃ kurute yasmād; aviśrāntaṃ mahā-khagaḥ | uḍḍīyāṇaṃ tad eva syāt; tatra bandho vidhīyate ||59||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Because (yasmāt | abl sg) the great bird (mahā-khagaḥ | nom sg) tirelessly (aviśrāntam) performs (kurute | 3p sg med pres) the upward flight (uḍyāṇam | acc sg n), this (tat | nom sg n) is (syāt | 3p sg act opt) precisely (eva) Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇam | nom sg); there (tatra) the lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg) is prescribed (vidhīyate | 3p sg pas pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.60

udare paścimaṃ tāṇaṃ; nābher ūrdhvaṃ ca kārayet | uḍḍīyāṇo hy asau bandho; mṛtyu-mātaṅga-kesarī ||60||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In the abdomen (udare | loc sg), one should cause (kārayet | 3p sg caus opt) the backward stretch (paścimam tāṇam | acc sg) to be drawn upward (ūrdhvam) from the navel (nābheḥ | abl gen sg); this (asau | nom sg m) lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg) is indeed (hi) Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇaḥ | nom sg), the lion against the elephant of death (mṛtyu-mātaṅga-kesarī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.61

uḍḍīyāṇaṃ tu sahajaṃ; guruṇā kathitaṃ sadā | abhyased astatandras tu; vṛddho 'pi taruṇo bhavet ||61||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇam | nom sg), however (tu), is easy (sahajam | nom sg n) and always (sadā) taught (kathitam | nom sg n ppp) by the guru (guruṇā | ins sg). If one practises it (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) tirelessly (a-tatandraḥ | nom sg m), even (api) an old person (vṛddhaḥ | nom sg m) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) young (taruṇaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.62

nābher ūrdhvam adhaś cāpi; tāṇaṃ kuryāt prayatnataḥ | ṣaṇ-māsam abhyasan mṛtyuṃ; jayaty eva na saṃśayaḥ ||62||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

From the navel (nābheḥ | abl gen sg), one should carefully (prayatnataḥ) perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) the stretch (tāṇam | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam), downward (adhaḥ), and also (cāpi). One who practises (abhyasan | nom sg m pca) for six months (ṣaṇ-māsam | acc sg) certainly (eva) conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg); there is no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.63

sati vajrāsane pādau; karābhyāṃ dhārayed dṛḍham | gulpha-deśa-samīpe ca; kandaṃ tatra prapīḍayet ||63||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

While seated (sati | loc sg n pca) in Vajrāsana (vajra-asane | loc sg), one should firmly (dṛḍham) hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) both feet (pādau | acc du) with both hands (karābhyām | ins du), and (ca) there (tatra), close to the region of the ankles (gulpha-deśa-samīpe | loc sg), press (prapīḍayet | 3p sg caus opt) the Kanda (kandam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.64

paścimaṃ tāṇam udare; kārayed dhṛdaye gale | śanaiḥ śanair yathā prāṇas; tunda-saṃdhiṃ na gacchati ||64||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should gradually (śanaiḥ), gradually (śanaiḥ), cause (kārayet | 3p sg caus opt) the backward stretch (paścimam tāṇam | acc sg) in the abdomen (udare | loc sg), chest (dhṛdaye | loc sg), and throat (gale | loc sg), so that (yathā) Prāṇa (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) does not (na) go (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) into the junction of the abdomen (tunda-saṃdhim | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.65

sarveṣām eva bandhānām; uttamo hy uḍḍiyāṇakaḥ | uḍḍīyāṇe dṛḍhe bandhe; muktiḥ svābhāvikī bhavet ||65||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Among all (sarveṣām | gen pl) locks (bandhānām | gen pl), Uḍḍiyāṇaka (uḍḍiyāṇakaḥ | nom sg) alone (eva) is the highest (uttamaḥ | nom sg m), indeed (hi). When the lock (bandhe | loc sg) in Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇe | loc sg) is firm (dṛḍhe | loc sg m), liberation (muktiḥ | nom sg) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) natural (svābhāvikī | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.66

kaṇṭham ākuñcya hṛdaye; sthāpayed dṛḍham icchayā | bandho jālandharākhyo 'yam; amṛtāvyaya-kārakaḥ ||66||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having contracted (ākuñcya | abs) the throat (kaṇṭham | acc sg), one should deliberately (icchayā | ins sg) place [the chin] (sthāpayet | 3p sg caus opt) firmly (dṛḍham) on the chest (hṛdaye | loc sg). This (ayam | nom sg m) lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg), called Jālandhara (jālandhara-ākhyaḥ | nom sg m), prevents the loss of nectar (amṛta-avyaya-kārakaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.67

badhnāti hi śirā-jālam; adho-gāmi-nabho-jalam | tato jālandharo bandhaḥ; kaṇṭha-duḥkhaugha-nāśanaḥ ||67||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For (hi) it binds (badhnāti | 3p sg act pres) the network of channels (śirā-jālam | acc sg) and the fluid of space flowing downward (adhas-gāmin-nabhas-jalam | acc sg); therefore (tataḥ), Jālandhara (jālandharaḥ | nom sg) is a lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg) that destroys the host of throat afflictions (kaṇṭha-duḥkha-ogha-nāśanaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.68

jālandhare kṛte bandhe; kaṇṭha-saṃkoca-lakṣaṇe | na pīyūṣaṃ pataty agnau; na ca vāyuḥ pradhāvati ||68||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When Jālandhara (jālandhare | loc sg), the lock (bandhe | loc sg) characterised by contraction of the throat (kaṇṭha-saṃkoca-lakṣaṇe | loc sg), has been performed (kṛte | loc sg m ppp), the nectar (pīyūṣam | nom sg) does not (na) fall (patati | 3p sg act pres) into the fire (agnau | loc sg), nor (na ca) does the breath (vāyuḥ | nom sg) rush away (pradhāvati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.69

kaṇṭha-saṃkocanenaiva; dve nāḍyau stambhayed dṛḍham | madhya-cakram idaṃ jñeyaṃ; ṣoḍaśādhāra-bandhanam ||69||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

By contraction of the throat alone (kaṇṭha-saṃkocanena | ins sg), one should firmly (dṛḍham) stop (stambhayet | 3p sg caus opt) the two channels (dve nāḍyau | acc du). This (idam | nom sg n) middle Cakra (madhya-cakram | nom sg) is to be known (jñeyam | nom sg n pfp) as the binding of the sixteen supports (ṣoḍaśa-ādhāra-bandhanam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.70

bandha-trayam idaṃ śreṣṭhaṃ; mahā-siddhair niṣevitam | sarveṣāṃ haṭha-tantrāṇāṃ; sādhanaṃ yogino viduḥ ||70||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (idam | nom sg n) triad of locks (bandha-trayam | nom sg) is the best (śreṣṭham | nom sg n) and has been practised (niṣevitam | nom sg n ppp) by the great adepts (mahā-siddhaiḥ | ins pl). Yogis (yoginaḥ | nom pl) know (viduḥ | 3p pl perf) it as the means (sādhanam | acc sg) of all Haṭha systems (sarveṣām haṭha-tantrāṇām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.70*1

adhastāt kuñcanenāśu; kaṇṭha-saṃkocane kṛte | madhye paścima-tāṇena; syāt prāṇo brahma-nāḍi-gaḥ ||70*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When contraction of the throat (kaṇṭha-saṃkocane | loc sg) has been performed (kṛte | loc sg n ppp) rapidly (āśu) through contraction from below (adhastāt kuñcanena | ins sg), Prāṇa (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) should (syāt | 3p sg act opt), through the backward stretch (paścima-tāṇena | ins sg) in the middle (madhye | loc sg), enter the Brahma channel (brahma-nāḍi-gaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.71

mūla-sthānaṃ samākuñcya; uḍḍīyāṇaṃ tu kārayet | iḍāṃ ca piṅgalāṃ baddhvā; vāhayet paścimaṃ patham ||71||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having contracted (samākuñcya | abs) the root location (mūla-sthānam | acc sg), one should then (tu) perform (kārayet | 3p sg caus opt) Uḍḍīyāṇa (uḍḍīyāṇam | acc sg); having closed (baddhvā | abs) Iḍā (iḍām | acc sg) and (ca) Piṅgalā (piṅgalām | acc sg), one should cause the breath to flow (vāhayet | 3p sg caus opt) through the rear pathway (paścimam patham | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.72

anenaiva vidhānena; sevayet pavanālayam | tato na jāyate mṛtyur; jarā-rogādikaṃ tathā ||72||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

By this very (anena eva | ins sg n) method (vidhānena | ins sg), one should frequent (sevayet | 3p sg act opt) the abode of the breath (pavana-ālayam | acc sg). Then (tataḥ), death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg), as well as (tathā) old age, disease, and the like (jarā-roga-ādikam | nom sg n), do not (na) arise (jāyate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.73

ūrdhvaṃ nābhir adhas tālur; ūrdhvaṃ bhānur adhaḥ śaśī | karaṇī viparītākhyā; guru-vākyena labhyate ||73||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The navel (nābhiḥ | nom sg) is above (ūrdhvam), the palate (tāluḥ | nom sg) below (adhaḥ); the sun (bhānuḥ | nom sg) is above (ūrdhvam), the moon (śaśī | nom sg) below (adhaḥ). The technique (karaṇī | nom sg) called inverted (viparīta-ākhyā | nom sg f) is obtained (labhyate | 3p sg pas pres) through the word of the guru (guru-vākyena | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.74

karaṇī viparītākhyā; sarva-vyādhi-vināśinī | nityam abhyāsa-yuktasya; jaṭharāgni-vivardhanī ||74||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The technique (karaṇī | nom sg) called inverted (viparīta-ākhyā | nom sg f) destroys all diseases (sarva-vyādhi-vināśinī | nom sg f). For one regularly (nityam) devoted to practice (abhyāsa-yuktasya | gen sg m ppp), it increases the digestive fire (jaṭhara-agni-vivardhanī | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.75

āhāro bahulas tasya; saṃpādyaḥ sādhakasya tu | alpāhāro yadi bhaved; agnir dehaṃ dahet kṣaṇāt ||75||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For this (tasya | gen sg m) practitioner (sādhakasya | gen sg), however (tu), abundant food (āhāraḥ bahulaḥ | nom sg) is to be provided (saṃpādyaḥ | nom sg m pfp). If (yadi) the diet is scant (alpa-āhāraḥ | nom sg), the fire (agniḥ | nom sg) will burn (dahet | 3p sg act opt) the body (deham | acc sg) at once (kṣaṇāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.76

adhaḥ-śiraś, cordhva-pādaḥ; kṣaṇaṃ syāt prathame dine | kṣaṇāc ca kiṃcid adhikam; abhyasec ca dine dine ||76||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

On the first day (prathame dine | loc sg), one should remain (syāt | 3p sg act opt) for a moment (kṣaṇam | acc sg) with the head down (adhas-śiras | nom acc sg n) and (ca) the feet up (ūrdhva-pādaḥ | nom sg). Then, day (dine | loc sg) by day (dine | loc sg), one should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) for something (kiṃcit) more (adhikam | acc sg n) than a moment (kṣaṇāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.77

valiś ca palitaṃ caiva; ṣaṇ-māsordhvaṃ na dṛśyate | yāma-mātraṃ tu yo nityam; abhyaset sa tu kāla-jit ||77||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

After six months have passed (ṣaṇ-māsa-ūrdhvam), wrinkles (valiḥ | nom sg) and (ca) grey hair (palitam | nom sg) are indeed also (caiva) not (na) seen (dṛśyate | 3p sg pas pres). But (tu) one who (yaḥ | nom sg m) regularly (nityam) practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) for the duration of one Yāma (yāma-mātram | acc sg), he (saḥ | nom sg m), however (tu), conquers time, death (kāla-jit | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.77*1

yat kiṃcit sravate candrād; amṛtaṃ divya-rūpiṇaḥ | tat sarvaṃ grasate sūryas; tena piṇḍaṃ jarā-yutam ||77*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever (yat | nom acc sg n), anything at all (kiṃcit | nom acc sg n), flows (sravate | 3p sg med pres) as nectar (amṛtam | nom acc sg) from the divinely formed (divya-rūpiṇaḥ | abl sg m) moon (candrāt | abl sg), that (tat | nom acc sg n), all of it (sarvam | nom acc sg n), the sun (sūryaḥ | nom sg) devours (grasate | 3p sg med pres). Through this (tena | ins sg n), the body (piṇḍam | nom acc sg) [becomes] joined with old age (jarā-yutam | nom acc sg n ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.77*2

tatrāsti karaṇaṃ divyaṃ; sūryasya mukha-bandhanam | gurūpadeśato jñeyaṃ; na tu śāstrārtha-koṭibhiḥ ||77*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

There (tatra) exists (asti | 3p sg act pres) a divine technique (karaṇam divyam | nom acc sg n), namely the blocking of the mouth (mukha-bandhanam | nom acc sg) of the sun (sūryasya | gen sg). It is to be known (jñeyam | nom acc sg n pfp) from the guru's instruction (guru-upadeśataḥ | abl sg), but not (na tu) from millions of interpretations of the teachings (śāstra-artha-koṭibhiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.78

svecchayā vartamāno 'pi; yogokta-niyamair vinā | vajrolīṃ yo vijānāti; sa yogī siddhi-bhājanam ||78||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Even (api) one who lives (vartamānaḥ | nom sg m pca) according to his own wishes (sva-icchayā | ins sg), without (vinā) the observances taught in yoga (yoga-ukta-niyamaiḥ | ins pl), that yogi (saḥ yogī | nom sg) who (yaḥ | nom sg m) knows (vijānāti | 3p sg act pres) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg) is a vessel of accomplishment (siddhi-bhājanam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.79

tatra vastu-dvayaṃ vakṣye; durlabhaṃ yasya kasya cit | kṣīraṃ caikaṃ dvitīyaṃ tu; nārī ca vaśa-vartinī ||79||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In this connection (tatra), I shall name (vakṣye | 1p sg fut) two things (vastu-dvayam | acc sg) that are difficult to obtain (durlabham | acc sg n) for whomsoever (yasya | gen sg m), for anyone (kasya | gen sg m) at all (cit). The one (ekam | nom sg n) is milk (kṣīram | nom sg), and (ca) the second (dvitīyam | nom sg n), however (tu), is a woman (nārī | nom sg), namely (ca) one who is compliant (vaśa-vartinī | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.80

mehanena śanaiḥ samyag; ūrdhvākuñcanam abhyaset | puruṣo vāpi nārī vā; vajrolī-siddhim āpnuyāt ||80||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the urethra (mehanena | ins sg), one should slowly (śanaiḥ) and properly (samyak) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) upward contraction (ūrdhva-ākuñcanam | acc sg). Whether a man (puruṣaḥ | nom sg) or also (vāpi) a woman (nārī | nom sg), one may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) success in Vajrolī (vajrolī-siddhim | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.81

yatnataḥ śara-nālena; phūt-kāraṃ vajra-kandare | śanaiḥ śanaiḥ prakurvīta; vāyu-saṃcāra-kāraṇāt ||81||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Carefully (yatnataḥ), with a reed tube (śara-nālena | ins sg), one should perform (prakurvīta | 3p sg med opt) blowing (phūt-kāram | acc sg) into the opening of the penis (vajra-kandare | loc sg) very slowly (śanaiḥ), slowly (śanaiḥ), for the purpose of moving air (vāyu-saṃcāra-kāraṇāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.82

nāryā bhage patad-bindum; abhyāsenordhvam āharet | calitaṃ ca svakaṃ bindum; ūrdhvam ākṛṣya rakṣayet ||82||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through practice (abhyāsena | ins sg), one should draw (āharet | 3p sg act opt) upward (ūrdhvam) the falling Bindu (patat-bindum | acc sg) in the woman's (nāryā | gen sg) vulva (bhage | loc sg). And (ca), having drawn (ākṛṣya | abs) upward (ūrdhvam) one's own (svakam | acc sg m) Bindu (bindum | acc sg) when it has moved (calitam | acc sg m ppp), one should preserve it (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.83

evaṃ tu rakṣayed binduṃ; mṛtyuṃ jayati yoga-vit | maraṇaṃ bindu-pātena; jīvitaṃ bindu-dhāraṇāt ||83||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Thus (evam), however (tu), the knower of yoga (yoga-vit | nom sg m) should preserve (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) Bindu (bindum | acc sg) and conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg); death (maraṇam | nom sg) arises from the falling of Bindu (bindu-pātena | ins sg), life (jīvitam | nom sg) from retaining Bindu (bindu-dhāraṇāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.84

sugandhi yogino dehaṃ; jāyate bindu-dhāraṇāt | yāvad binduḥ sthiro dehe; tāvan mṛtyu-bhayaṃ kutaḥ ||84||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the retention of Bindu (bindu-dhāraṇāt | abl sg), the body (deham | nom sg) of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) becomes (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) fragrant (sugandhi | nom sg n). As long as (yāvat) Bindu (binduḥ | nom sg) remains steady (sthiraḥ | nom sg m) in the body (dehe | loc sg), whence (kutaḥ), for so long (tāvat), could fear of death (mṛtyu-bhayam | nom sg) arise?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.85

manāyattaṃ nṛṇāṃ śukraṃ; śukrāyattaṃ hi jīvitam | tasmāc chukraṃ manaś caiva; rakṣaṇīyaṃ prayatnataḥ ||85||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In men (nṛṇām | gen pl), Śukra (śukram | nom acc sg) depends on the mind (manas-āyattam | nom sg n), and life (jīvitam | nom sg) indeed (hi) depends on Śukra (śukra-āyattam | nom sg n). Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg), Śukra (śukram | nom acc sg) and the mind (manaḥ | nom acc sg) also indeed (caiva) are to be protected (rakṣaṇīyam | nom sg n pfp) carefully (prayatnataḥ).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.86

ṛtumatyā rajo 'py evaṃ; bījaṃ binduṃ ca rakṣayet | meḍhreṇākarṣayed ūrdhvaṃ; samyag abhyāsa-yoga-vān ||86||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Thus (evam), [he] should also (api) preserve (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) the Rajas (rajas | nom acc sg n) of a menstruating woman (ṛtumatyāḥ | gen sg f), generative fluid (bījam | acc sg), and (ca) [his] Bindu (bindum | acc sg). The practitioner endowed with correct practice (samyak-abhyāsa-yogavān | nom sg m) should draw [this] (ākarṣayet | 3p sg caus opt) upward (ūrdhvam) through the genital (meḍhreṇa | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.86*1

ayaṃ yogaḥ, puṇyavatāṃ; dhanyānāṃ tattva-śālinām | nirmatsarāṇāṃ, sidhyeta; na tu matsara-śālinām ||86*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This yoga (ayaṃ yogaḥ | nom sg) may succeed (sidhyeta | 3p sg med opt) for the meritorious (puṇyavatām | gen pl m), the fortunate (dhanyānām | gen pl m), those established in truth (tattva-śālinām | gen pl m), and those without jealousy (nir-matsarāṇām | gen pl m), but (tu) not (na) for those filled with jealousy (matsara-śālinām | gen pl m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.87

sahajolī, cāmarolī; vajrolyā eva bhedataḥ ||87||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Sahajolī (sahajolī | nom sg) and Amarolī (cāmarolī | nom sg) are indeed (eva) varieties (bhedataḥ | abl sg) of Vajrolī (vajrolyāḥ | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.88

jaleṣu bhasma nikṣipya; dagdha-go-maya-saṃbhavam | vajrolī-maithunād ūrdhvaṃ; strī-puṃsoḥ svāṅga-lepanam ||88||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having placed (nikṣipya | abs) ash (bhasma | acc sg) produced from burnt cow dung (dagdha-go-maya-saṃbhavam | acc sg n) in water (jaleṣu | loc pl), after Vajrolī intercourse (vajrolī-maithunāt | abl sg) and thereafter (ūrdhvam) follows the smearing of their own bodies (sva-aṅga-lepanam | nom sg) by woman and man (strī-puṃsoḥ | gen du).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.89

āsīnayoḥ sukhenaiva; mukta-vyāpārayoḥ kṣaṇam | sahajolīr iyaṃ proktā; śraddheyā yogibhiḥ sadā ||89||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When the two seated partners (āsīnayoḥ | gen du m f ppp), comfortably (sukhena | ins sg) and indeed (eva) for a moment (kṣaṇam | acc sg), are free from activity (mukta-vyāpārayoḥ | gen du), this (iyam | nom sg f) is called (proktā | nom sg f ppp) Sahajolī (sahajolīḥ | nom sg); it is always (sadā) to be trusted (śraddheyā | nom sg f pfp) by yogis (yogibhiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.89*1

ayaṃ śubha-karo yogo; bhoge bhukte 'pi mukti-daḥ ||89*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (ayam | nom sg m) beneficial yoga (śubha-karaḥ yogaḥ | nom sg m) bestows liberation (mukti-daḥ | nom sg m), even (api) when pleasure (bhoge | loc sg) has been enjoyed (bhukte | loc sg m n ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.90

pittolbaṇatvāt prathamāṃ ca dhārāṃ; vihāya niḥ-sāratayāntya-dhārām | niṣevyate śītala-madhya-dhārā; kāpālikaiḥ khaṇḍa-matair amaryāḥ ||90||

Metre: Upajāti

Because of an excess of bile (pitta-ulbaṇatvāt | abl sg), the first stream (prathamāṃ dhārām | acc sg) is left aside (vihāya | abs), and because it is without essence (niḥ-sāratayā | ins sg), so is the last stream (antya-dhārām | acc sg). The cool middle stream (śītala-madhya-dhārā | nom sg) of Amarī (amaryāḥ | gen sg) is used (niṣevyate | 3p sg pas pres) by the Kāpālikas (kāpālikaiḥ | ins pl) of the Khaṇḍa school (khaṇḍa-mataiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.91

amarīṃ yaḥ piben nityaṃ; nasyaṃ kurvan dine dine | vajrolīṃ cābhyased evam; amarolīti kathyate ||91||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One who (yaḥ | nom sg m) should regularly (nityam) drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) Amarī (amarīm | acc sg) and, day (dine | loc sg) by day (dine | loc sg), apply it nasally (nasyam | acc sg) while doing so (kurvan | nom sg m pca), should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg) in this way (evam); this is called (kathyate | 3p sg pas pres) Amarolī (amarolī | nom sg), thus (iti).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.91*1

puṃso binduṃ samākṛṣya; samyag-abhyāsa-pāṭavāt | yadi nārī rajo rakṣed; vajrolyā sā hi yoginī ||91*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

If (yadi), through proficiency in correct practice (samyak-abhyāsa-pāṭavāt | abl sg), a woman (nārī | nom sg) draws upward (samākṛṣya | abs) the man's (puṃsaḥ | gen sg) Bindu (bindum | acc sg) and preserves (rakṣet | 3p sg act opt) Rajas (rajas | acc sg) by means of Vajrolī (vajrolyā | ins sg), then she (sā | nom sg f) is indeed (hi) a yoginī (yoginī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.91*2

tasyāḥ kiṃcid rajo nāśaṃ; na gacchati na saṃśayaḥ | tasyāḥ śarīre, nādas tu; bindutām eva gacchati ||91*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

None (na), not even a little (kiṃcit | nom acc sg n), of her (tasyāḥ | gen sg f) Rajas (rajaḥ | nom acc sg) goes (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) to destruction (nāśam | acc sg); there is no doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg) about this. In her (tasyāḥ | gen sg f) body (śarīre | loc sg), however (tu), Nāda (nādaḥ | nom sg) itself (eva) passes (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) into the state of Bindu (bindutām | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.91*3

sa bindus tad rajaś caiva; ekībhūya sva-deha-jau | vajrolyābhyāsa-yogena; sarva-siddhiṃ prakurvataḥ ||91*3||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This (saḥ | nom sg m) Bindu (binduḥ | nom sg) and (ca) that (tad | nom acc sg n) very (eva) Rajas (rajaḥ | nom acc sg), both arising in one's own body (sva-deha-jau | nom du m n), become one (ekī-bhūya | abs) and, through engagement in the practice of Vajrolī (vajrolyābhyāsa-yogena | ins sg), produce (prakurvataḥ | 3p du act pres) every accomplishment (sarva-siddhim | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.92

rakṣed ākuñcanenordhvaṃ; yā rajaḥ sā hi yoginī | atītānāgataṃ vetti; khecarī ca bhaved dhruvam ||92||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

She who (yā | nom sg f), by contraction (ākuñcanena | ins sg), preserves (rakṣet | 3p sg act opt) Rajas (rajaḥ | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam), she (sā | nom sg f) is indeed (hi) a yoginī (yoginī | nom sg). She knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) the past and the future (atīta-anāgatam | acc sg n) and (ca) will certainly (dhruvam) become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93

deha-siddhiṃ ca labhate; vajroly abhyāsa-yogataḥ | ayaṃ śubha-karo yogo; bhoge bhukte 'pi mukti-daḥ ||93||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the application of Vajrolī practice (vajrolī-abhyāsa-yogataḥ), one also (ca) obtains (labhate | 3p sg med pres) perfection of the body (deha-siddhim | acc sg). This (ayam | nom sg m) auspicious yoga (śubha-karaḥ yogaḥ | nom sg m) bestows liberation (mukti-daḥ | nom sg m), even (api) when pleasure (bhoge | loc sg) has been experienced (bhukte | loc sg m n ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*1

tasmāt puṇyavatām eva; ayaṃ yogaḥ prasidhyati ||93*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Therefore (tasmāt), this yoga (ayaṃ yogaḥ | nom sg) succeeds (prasidhyati | 3p sg act pres) only (eva) for the meritorious (puṇyavatām | gen pl m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*2

kuṭilāṅgī kuṇḍalinī; bhujaṅgī śaktir īśvarī | kuṇḍaly arundhatī ceti; śabdāḥ paryāya-vācakāḥ ||93*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

She is the one with a crooked body (kuṭila-aṅgī | nom sg f), Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalinī | nom sg), the serpent (bhujaṅgī | nom sg), the power (śaktiḥ | nom sg), the mistress (īśvarī | nom sg); Kuṇḍalī (kuṇḍalī | nom sg), Arundhatī (arundhatī | nom sg), and thus (ca iti) are words (śabdāḥ | nom pl) denoting synonyms (paryāya-vācakāḥ | nom pl m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*3

udghāṭayet kapāṭaṃ tu; yathā kuñcikayā haṭhāt | kuṇḍalinyā tathā yogī; mokṣa-dvāraṃ vibhedayet ||93*3||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as (yathā) one forcefully (haṭhāt) opens (udghāṭayet | 3p sg caus opt) a door panel (kapāṭam | acc sg) with a key (kuñcikayā | ins sg), so (tathā) should the yogi (yogī | nom sg), by means of Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalinyā | ins sg), break open (vibhedayet | 3p sg caus opt) the door to liberation (mokṣa-dvāram | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*4

yena mārgeṇa gantavyaṃ; brahma-sthānaṃ nirāmayam | mukhenācchādya tad-dvāraṃ; prasuptā parameśvarī ||93*4||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The supreme mistress (parameśvarī | nom sg) sleeps (prasuptā | nom sg f ppp), having covered (ācchādya | abs) with her mouth (mukhena | ins sg) that door (tad-dvāram | acc sg) along which path (yena mārgeṇa | ins sg) the untroubled abode of Brahman (brahma-sthānam nirāmayam | nom acc sg) is to be reached (gantavyam | nom acc sg n pfp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*5

kandordhvaṃ kuṇḍalī śaktiḥ; suptā mokṣāya yoginām | bandhanāya ca mūḍhānāṃ; yas tāṃ vetti sa yoga-vit ||93*5||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Above the Kanda (kanda-ūrdhvam) sleeps (suptā | nom sg f ppp) Kuṇḍalī (kuṇḍalī | nom sg), the Śakti (śaktiḥ | nom sg): for yogis (yoginām | gen pl), she leads to liberation (mokṣāya | dat sg), but also (ca), for the deluded (mūḍhānām | gen pl m), to bondage (bandhanāya | dat sg). He who (yaḥ | nom sg m) knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) her (tām | acc sg f), he (saḥ | nom sg m) is a knower of yoga (yoga-vit | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*6

ambhodhi-śaila,-dvīpānām; ādhāraḥ śeṣa-kuṇḍalī | aśeṣa-yoga-tantrāṇām; ādhāraḥ kuṇḍalī tathā ||93*6||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as Śeṣa, the coiled serpent (śeṣa-kuṇḍalī | nom sg), is the foundation (ādhāraḥ | nom sg) of the oceans, mountains, and islands (ambhodhi-śaila-dvīpānām | gen pl), so (tathā) Kuṇḍalī (kuṇḍalī | nom sg) is the foundation (ādhāraḥ | nom sg) of all systems of yoga (aśeṣa-yoga-tantrāṇām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.93*7

kuṇḍalī kuṭilākārā; sarpavat parikīrtitā | sā śaktiś cālitā yena; sa mukto nātra saṃśayaḥ ||93*7||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Kuṇḍalī (kuṇḍalī | nom sg) is described (parikīrtitā | nom sg f ppp) as crooked in form (kuṭila-ākārā | nom sg f) and like a serpent (sarpavat). By whom (yena | ins sg m) this (sā | nom sg f) Śakti (śaktiḥ | nom sg) has been moved (cālitā | nom sg f ppp), he (saḥ | nom sg m) is liberated (muktaḥ | nom sg m ppp); here (atra) there is no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.94

gaṅgā-yamunayor madhye; bāla-raṇḍā tapasvinī | balātkāreṇa gṛhṇīyāt; tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṃ padam ||94||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Between (madhye | loc sg) Gaṅgā and Yamunā (gaṅgā-yamunayoḥ | gen du) stands the ascetic young widow (bāla-raṇḍā tapasvinī | nom sg). One should seize her (gṛhṇīyāt | 3p sg act opt) forcefully (balātkāreṇa | ins sg); that (tat | nom sg n) is Viṣṇu's (viṣṇoḥ | gen sg) supreme state (paramam padam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.94*1

iḍā bhagavatī gaṅgā; piṅgalā yamunā nadī | iḍā-piṅgalayor madhye; bāla-raṇḍā sarasvatī ||94*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Iḍā (iḍā | nom sg), the divine one (bhagavatī | nom sg f), is Gaṅgā (gaṅgā | nom sg); Piṅgalā (piṅgalā | nom sg) is Yamunā (yamunā | nom sg), the river (nadī | nom sg). Between (madhye | loc sg) Iḍā and Piṅgalā (iḍā-piṅgalayoḥ | gen loc du) stands Sarasvatī (sarasvatī | nom sg), the young widow (bāla-raṇḍā | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95

pucchaṃ pragṛhya bhujagīṃ; suptām udbodhayed abhīḥ | nidrāṃ vihāya sā ṛjvī; ūrdhvam uttiṣṭhate haṭhāt ||95||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Fearlessly (abhīḥ | nom sg m), one should take hold (pragṛhya | abs) of the sleeping (suptām | acc sg f ppp) serpent (bhujagīm | acc sg) by the tail (puccham | acc sg) and awaken her (udbodhayet | 3p sg caus opt); having abandoned (vihāya | abs) sleep (nidrām | acc sg), she (sā | nom sg f) forcefully (haṭhāt) rises (uttiṣṭhate | 3p sg med pres) straight (ṛjvī | nom sg f) upward (ūrdhvam).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95*1

pravistṛtāsyaiva phaṇāvatī sā; prātaś ca sāyaṃ praharārdha-mātram | prapūrya sūryāt paridhāna-yuktyā; pragṛhya tiryak paricālanīyā ||95*1||

Metre: Upajāti

She (sā | nom sg f), the hooded one (phaṇāvatī | nom sg f), has indeed (eva) a widely opened mouth (pravistṛta-āsyā | nom sg f). In the morning (prātas) and (ca) in the evening (sāyam), for the duration of half a Prahara (prahara-ardha-mātram | acc sg n), she is to be moved (paricālanīyā | nom sg f pfp) sideways (tiryak), after one has filled (prapūrya | abs) through the solar channel (sūryāt | abl sg) and taken hold of her (pragṛhya | abs) by the method of binding around (paridhāna-yuktyā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95*2

vitasti-pramitaṃ dairghyaṃ; vistāraṃ catur-aṅgulam | mṛdulaṃ dhavalaṃ proktaṃ; veṣṭanāmbara-lakṣaṇam ||95*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In length (dairghyam | nom acc sg), the cloth is measured by a handspan (vitasti-pramitam | nom acc sg n), and in width (vistāram | acc sg), by four fingerbreadths (catur-aṅgulam | nom acc sg). It is described (proktam | nom acc sg n ppp) as soft (mṛdulam | nom acc sg n), white (dhavalam | nom acc sg n), and having the character of a wrapping cloth (veṣṭana-ambara-lakṣaṇam | nom acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.96

vajrāsana-sthito yogī; cālayitvā tu kuṇḍalīm | kuryād anantaraṃ bhastrīṃ; kuṇḍalīm āśu bodhayet ||96||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The yogi (yogī | nom sg) who is positioned in Vajrāsana (vajra-āsana-sthitaḥ | nom sg m ppp), having moved (cālayitvā | abs) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalīm | acc sg), should then (tu), immediately afterward (anantaram), perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) Bhastrī (bhastrīm | acc sg) and quickly (āśu) awaken (bodhayet | 3p sg caus opt) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalīm | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97

bhānor ākuñcanaṃ kuryāt; kuṇḍalīṃ cālayet tataḥ | mṛtyu-vaktra-gatasyāpi; tasya mṛtyu-bhayaṃ kutaḥ ||97||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

He should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) the contraction (ākuñcanam | acc sg) of the sun (bhānoḥ | gen sg) and thereafter (tataḥ) move (cālayet | 3p sg caus opt) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalīm | acc sg); whence (kutaḥ) could fear of death (mṛtyu-bhayam | nom sg) arise for him (tasya | gen sg m), even (api) when he has entered the jaws of death (mṛtyu-vaktra-gatasya | gen sg m ppp)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*1

nāsā-dakṣiṇa-mārga-vāhi-pavanāt, prāṇe 'ti-dīrghī-kṛte candrāmbhaḥ-paripūritāmṛta-tanuḥ, prāg ghaṇṭikāyās tathā | siñcan kāla-viśāla-vahni-vaśagān, bhrū-randhra-nāḍī-gaṇān tat kāyaṃ kurute punar navataraṃ, jīrṇa-druma-skandha-vat ||97*1||

Metre: Śārdūlavikrīḍita

When Prāṇa has been made excessively long (prāṇe’ti-dīrghī-kṛte | loc abs sg) as a result of the breath-wind flowing through the right nasal passage (nāsā-dakṣiṇa-mārga-vāhi-pavanāt | abl sg), the yogi, whose immortal body (paripūrita-amṛta-tanuḥ | nom sg m) has previously (prāk) been filled in this way (tathā) with lunar water from the uvula (candra-ambhaḥ, ghaṇṭikāyāḥ | gen sg), sprinkles (siñcan | nom sg m pca) the groups of Nāḍīs at the opening between the brows (bhrū-randhra-nāḍī-gaṇān | acc pl), which are subject to the immense fire of time (kāla-viśāla-vahni-vaśagān | acc pl m). Thus he makes (kurute | 3p sg med pres) that body (tat kāyam | acc sg) entirely new again (punar), more youthful (navataram | acc sg m), like the trunk of a withered tree (jīrṇa-druma-skandha-vat).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*2

kuṇḍalīṃ cālayitvā tu; kuryād bhastrīṃ viśeṣataḥ | evam abhyasato nityaṃ; yaminaḥ śaṅkate yamaḥ ||97*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having moved (cālayitvā | abs) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalīṃ | acc sg), one should then (tu), especially (viśeṣataḥ), perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) Bhastrī (bhastrīṃ | acc sg); Yama (yamaḥ | nom sg) fears (śaṅkate | 3p sg med pres) the self-controlled practitioner (yaminaḥ | gen sg) who practises (abhyasataḥ | gen sg m pca) regularly (nityam) in this way (evam).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*3

tadābhyaset, sūrya-bhedam; ujjāyīṃ cāpi śītalīm | evam abhyāsa-yuktasya; śamano yaminaḥ kutaḥ ||97*3||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Then (tadā) one should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Sūryabheda (sūrya-bhedam | acc sg), Ujjāyī (ujjāyīm | acc sg), and also (cāpi) Śītalī (śītalīm | acc sg); whence (kutaḥ) could the god of death (śamanaḥ | nom sg) come for the self-controlled practitioner (yaminaḥ | gen sg) who in this way (evam) is joined with practice (abhyāsa-yuktasya | gen sg m)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.98

muhūrta-dvaya-paryantaṃ; nirbhayaṃ cālanād asau | ūrdhvam ākṛṣyate kiṃcit; suṣumṇā kuṇḍalī-gatā ||98||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through fearless movement (nirbhayam cālanāt | abl sg) for as long as two Muhūrtas (muhūrta-dvaya-paryantam | acc sg), this (asau | nom sg f) Suṣumṇā situated within Kuṇḍalī (suṣumṇā kuṇḍalī-gatā | nom sg f) is drawn (ākṛṣyate | 3p sg pas pres) somewhat (kiṃcit) upward (ūrdhvam).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.99

tena kuṇḍalinī tasyāḥ; suṣumṇāyāḥ samuddhṛtā | jahāti tasmāt, prāṇo 'yaṃ; suṣumṇāṃ vrajati svataḥ ||99||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

By this (tena | ins sg n), Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalinī | nom sg), drawn out (samuddhṛtā | nom sg f ppp) from that Suṣumṇā (tasyāḥ suṣumṇāyāḥ | abl gen sg), leaves it (jahāti | 3p sg act pres). Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg), this (ayam | nom sg m) Prāṇa (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) enters (vrajati | 3p sg act pres) Suṣumṇā (suṣumṇām | acc sg) by itself (svataḥ).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.100

tasmāt saṃcālayen nityaṃ; śabda-garbhām arundhatīm | tasyāḥ saṃcālanenaiva; yogī rogaiḥ pramucyate ||100||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg), one should regularly (nityam) move (saṃcālayet | 3p sg caus opt) Arundhatī (arundhatīm | acc sg), who contains sound (śabda-garbhām | acc sg f). By her (tasyāḥ | gen sg f) movement (saṃcālanena | ins sg) alone (eva), the yogi (yogī | nom sg) is freed (pramucyate | 3p sg pas pres) from diseases (rogaiḥ | abl pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.101

yena saṃcālitā śaktiḥ; sa yogī siddhi-bhājanam | kim atra bahunoktena; kālaṃ jayati līlayā ||101||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The yogi (sa yogī | nom sg) by whom (yena | ins sg m) Śakti (śaktiḥ | nom sg) has been moved (saṃcālitā | nom sg f ppp) is a vessel of accomplishment (siddhi-bhājanam | nom sg). What (kim | nom acc sg n) more is to be said here (atra) with much that has already been stated (bahunā uktena | ins sg n)? He overcomes (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (kālam | acc sg) playfully (līlayā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.101*1

brahmacarya-vratasyaiva; nityaṃ hita-mitāśinaḥ | maṇḍalād dṛśyate siddhiḥ; kuṇḍaly abhyāsa-yoginaḥ ||101*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) whose vow is Brahmacarya (brahmacarya-vratasya | gen sg), who always (nityam) eats what is wholesome and moderate (hita-mita-āśinaḥ | gen sg m), and who is devoted to the practice of Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalī-abhyāsa-yoginaḥ | gen sg), success (siddhiḥ | nom sg) becomes visible (dṛśyate | 3p sg pas pres) after forty days (maṇḍalāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.102

abhyāsa-niḥsṛtāṃ cāndrīṃ; vibhūtyā saha miśrayet | tad-dhāraṇaṃ, tūttamāṅge; divya-dṛṣṭi-pradāyakam ||102||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should mix (miśrayet | 3p sg caus opt) the lunar fluid (cāndrīm | acc sg) produced through practice (abhyāsa-niḥsṛtām | acc sg f ppp) together (saha) with ash (vibhūtyā | ins sg). Wearing it (tad-dhāraṇam | nom sg), however (tu), on the head (uttama-aṅge | loc sg), bestows divine sight (divya-dṛṣṭi-pradāyakam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.102*1

dvi-saptati-sahasrāṇāṃ; nāḍīnāṃ mala-śodhane | kutaḥ prakṣālanopāyaḥ; kuṇḍaly abhyasanād ṛte ||102*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For the cleansing of impurity (mala-śodhane | loc sg) from the seventy-two thousand (dvi-saptati-sahasrāṇām | gen pl) Nāḍīs (nāḍīnām | gen pl), whence (kutaḥ) could there be a means of washing (prakṣālana-upāyaḥ | nom sg) apart from (ṛte) the practice of Kuṇḍalī (kuṇḍalī-abhyasanāt | abl sg)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.103

iti mudrā daśa proktā; ādi-nāthena śambhunā | ekaikā tāsu yamināṃ; mahā-siddhi-pradāyinī ||103||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Thus (iti), the ten (daśa | nom pl f) Mudrās (mudrāḥ | nom pl) have been taught (proktāḥ | nom pl f ppp) by Ādinātha (ādi-nāthena | ins sg), Śambhu (śambhunā | ins sg). Each one (ekaikā | nom sg f) among them (tāsu | loc pl f) bestows great accomplishment (mahā-siddhi-pradāyinī | nom sg f) upon the self-controlled yogis (yaminām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.104

rāja-yogaṃ vinā pṛthvī; rāja-yogaṃ vinā niśā | rāja-yogaṃ vinā mudrā; vicitrāpi na rājate ||104||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Without union with the king (rāja-yogam | acc sg), the earth (pṛthvī | nom sg) does not shine; without this union (rāja-yogam | acc sg), the night (niśā | nom sg) does not shine. Without Rājayoga (rāja-yogam | acc sg), even (api) the wondrous (vicitrā | nom sg f) Mudrā (mudrā | nom sg) does not (na) shine (rājate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.105

mārutasya vidhiṃ sarvaṃ; mano-yuktaṃ samabhyaset | itaratra na kartavyā; mano-vṛttir manīṣiṇā ||105||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should practise (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) the entire method (vidhiṃ sarvam | acc sg) of the breath (mārutasya | gen sg) with the mind joined to it (manas-yuktam | acc sg m ppp). The movement of the mind (mano-vṛttiḥ | nom sg) should not (na) be directed (kartavyā | nom sg f pfp) elsewhere (itaratra) by the wise practitioner (manīṣiṇā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.106

khilāpi madhyamā nāḍī; dṛḍhābhyāsena yoginām | āsana-prāṇa-saṃyāma;-mudrābhiḥ saralā bhavet ||106||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through firm practice (dṛḍha-abhyāsena | ins sg), even (api) the obstructed (khilā | nom sg f) middle Nāḍī (madhyamā nāḍī | nom sg) of yogis (yoginām | gen pl) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) straight (saralā | nom sg f) by means of Āsana, breath control, and Mudrās (āsana-prāṇa-saṃyāma-mudrābhiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.107

upāsane vinidrāṇāṃ; rāja-yoga-samudra-vat | rudrāṇī cāparā mudrā; bhadrāṃ siddhiṃ prayacchati ||107||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For those who remain untiring (vinidrāṇām | gen pl) in devoted practice (upāsane | loc sg), the incomparable Rudrāṇī Mudrā (rudrāṇī aparā mudrā | nom sg) also (ca) bestows (prayacchati | 3p sg act pres) auspicious accomplishment (bhadrāṃ siddhim | acc sg), like the ocean of Rājayoga (rāja-yoga-samudra-vat).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.107*1

upadeśaṃ hi mudrāṇāṃ; yo dhatte sāṃpradāyikam | sa evāstu guruḥ svāmī; sākṣād īśvara eva saḥ ||107*1||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

He who (yaḥ | nom sg m) indeed (hi) preserves (dhatte | 3p sg med pres) the traditional (sāmpradāyikam | acc sg m) instruction (upadeśam | acc sg) in the Mudrās (mudrāṇām | gen pl), he (saḥ | nom sg m) alone (eva) should be (astu | 3p sg imp) the guru (guruḥ | nom sg) and master (svāmī | nom sg); he (saḥ | nom sg m) is directly (sākṣāt) the Lord (īśvaraḥ | nom sg) himself (eva).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.107*2

tasya vākya-paro mudrāṃ; yo 'bhyasyati samāhitaḥ | aṇimādi-guṇaiḥ so 'yaṃ; jāyate kāla-vañcakaḥ ||107*2||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This very (saḥ ayam | nom sg m) collected practitioner (samāhitaḥ | nom sg m ppp), who (yaḥ | nom sg m) practises (abhyasyati | 3p sg act pres) a Mudrā (mudrām | acc sg) and is intent on his word (tasya-vākya-paraḥ | nom sg m), becomes (jāyate | 3p sg med pres), through the powers beginning with Aṇimā (aṇimā-ādi-guṇaiḥ | ins pl), one who cheats death (kāla-vañcakaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal