Illustration for the Haṭha Pradīpikā section “HP 3.94-3.102*1: Śakti-Cālana”.
Illustration for the Haṭha Pradīpikā section “HP 3.94-3.102*1: Śakti-Cālana”.

Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.94-3.102*1: Śakti Cālana

Kuṇḍalinī is interpreted under many names, awakened, and moved; Suṣumṇā thereby opens and yogic accomplishment becomes possible.

Dr. Ronald Steiner Dr. Ronald Steiner
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.94
गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्ये बालरण्डा तपस्विनी |
gaṅgā-yamunayor madhye; bāla-raṇḍā tapasvinī | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
gaṅgā
dvandva-compound
substantive feminine
Gaṅgā
yamunayoḥ
genitive dual
substantive feminine
Yamunā
madhye
lokative singular
substantive neuter
in the middle
bāla
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
young
raṇḍā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
widow
tapasvinī
nominative singular
adjective
ascetic, rich in tapas
बलात्कारेण गृह्णीयात् तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम् ||94||
balātkāreṇa gṛhṇīyāt; tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṃ padam ||94|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
balātkāreṇa
instrumental case singular
substantive neuter
forcefully
gṛhṇīyāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
should seize
tat
nominative singular neuter
pronoun
her
viṣṇoḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of Viṣṇu
paramam
nominative singular neuter
adjective
highest
padam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
place, state
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
Between Gaṅgā and Yamunā lies the ascetic “young widow,” a coded image of Kuṇḍalinī. She is to be seized forcefully, leading to Viṣṇu's supreme state.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

The river names are transferred to the subtle body: Gaṅgā is Iḍā and Yamunā is Piṅgalā. Between them lies Kuṇḍalinī as the ascetic “young widow,” because she fasts and rests. Brahmānanda can simultaneously understand the “supreme goal of Viṣṇu” as the all-pervading inner Ātman.

Brahmānanda's Jyotsnā - 19th c.
Youngster Tapaswini (a she-ascetic), lying between the Ganges and the Yamunâ, (Idâ and Pingalâ) should be caught hold of by force, to get the highest position.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Zwischen Ganga und Yamuna sitzt eine büssende junge Wittwe. Mit Gewalt ergreife man sie; dies ist des Vishņu höchster Ort.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.94*1
इडा भगवती गङ्गा पिङ्गला यमुना नदी |
iḍā bhagavatī gaṅgā; piṅgalā yamunā nadī | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
iḍā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Iḍā
bhagavatī
nominative singular feminine
adjective
the divine
gaṅgā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Gaṅgā
piṅgalā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Piṅgalā
yamunā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Yamunā
nadī
nominative singular
substantive feminine
river
इडापिङ्गलयोर्मध्ये बालरण्डा सरस्वती ||94*1||
iḍā-piṅgalayor madhye; bāla-raṇḍā sarasvatī ||94*1|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
iḍā
dvandva-compound
substantive feminine
Iḍā
piṅgalayoḥ
genitive lokative dual
substantive feminine
and Piṅgalā
madhye
lokative singular
substantive neuter
in the middle
bāla
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
young
raṇḍā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
widow
sarasvatī
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Sarasvatī
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
Iḍā and Piṅgalā are compared to Gaṅgā and Yamunā; between them lies Sarasvatī, the central channel.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
sarasvatī MBHDL2026 ] ca kuṇḍalī NS1882
Critical Apparatus
Idâ is called goddess Ganges, Pingalâ goddess Yamunâ. In the middle of the Idâ and the Pingalâ is the infant widow, Kuṇḍalî.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Idâ ist die heilige Ganga, Yamunâ ist Pingalâ, und zwischen Idâ und Pingalâ sitzt die junge Wittwe Kundalî.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95
पुच्छं प्रगृह्य भुजगीं सुप्तामुद्बोधयेदभीः |
pucchaṃ pragṛhya bhujagīṃ; suptām udbodhayed abhīḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
puccham
accusative singular
substantive neuter
tail
pragṛhya
absolutus
previx
verbal root
having grasped
bhujagīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
serpent
suptām
accusative singular feminine past participle passive
verbal root
sleeping
udbodhayet
3rd person singular causative optative
previx
verbal root
should awaken
abhīḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
fearless
निद्रां विहाय सा ऋज्वी ऊर्ध्वमुत्तिष्ठते हठात् ||95||
nidrāṃ vihāya sā ṛjvī; ūrdhvam uttiṣṭhate haṭhāt ||95|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
nidrām
accusative singular
substantive feminine
sleep
vihāya
absolutus
previx
verbal root
having abandoned
sā
nominative singular feminine
pronoun
she
ṛjvī
nominative singular feminine
adjective
straight
ūrdhvam
adverb
upward
uttiṣṭhate
3rd person singular medial present
previx
verbal root
rises
haṭhāt
adverb
forcefully
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
The yogi seizes the sleeping serpent by the tail and awakens her. Kuṇḍalinī leaves sleep behind and rises powerfully.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

Brahmānanda explicitly declares the practical meaning of grasping the “tail” of the sleeping serpent to be a secret that must be learned from the mouth of the guru. He likewise refers the paridhāna method named in the following verse to a teacher. At these points, the Sanskrit Jyotsnā does not provide a concrete modern description of the movement.

Brahmānanda's Jyotsnā - 19th c.
pucchaṃ MBHDL2026 ] pucche NS1882

udbodhayed abhīḥ MBHDL2026 ] udbodhayec ca tām NS1882
Critical Apparatus
This sleeping she-serpent should be awakened by catching hold of her tail. By the force of Haṭha, the Śakti leaves her sleep, and starts upwards.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Die schlafende Bhujangi ergreife man beim Schwanz und wecke sie; wenn sie aufgewacht ist, so richtet sich die Şakti mit Gewalt auf.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95*1
प्रविस्तृतास्यैव फणावती सा प्रातश्च सायं प्रहरार्धमात्रम् |
pravistṛtāsyaiva phaṇāvatī sā; prātaś ca sāyaṃ praharārdha-mātram | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
pravistṛta-āsyā
nominative singular feminine
previx
previx
verbal root
substantive neuter
with mouth wide open
eva
particle
indeed
phaṇāvatī
nominative singular feminine
adjective
bearing a hood
sā
nominative singular feminine
pronoun
her
prātas
adverb
morning
ca
particle
and
sāyam
adverb
evening
prahara
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
one prahara
ardha
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
half
mātram
accusative singular neuter
substantive neuter
as measure, for the duration
प्रपूर्य सूर्यात्परिधानयुक्त्या प्रगृह्य तिर्यक्परिचालनीया ||95*1||
prapūrya sūryāt paridhāna-yuktyā; pragṛhya tiryak paricālanīyā ||95*1|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
prapūrya
absolutus
previx
verbal root
having filled
sūryāt
ablative singular
substantive masculine
through the solar channel
paridhāna
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of wrapping
yuktyā
instrumental case singular
substantive feminine
by the method
pragṛhya
absolutus
previx
verbal root
having grasped
tiryak
adverb
sideways, across
paricālanīyā
nominative singular feminine future participle passive
previx
verbal root
to be moved
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
Kuṇḍalinī is imagined as hooded and wide-mouthed. Morning and evening, the yogi is to inhale through the solar channel, grasp her with a cloth, and move her sideways for an hour and a half.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
pravistṛtāsyaiva MBHDL2026 ] avasthitā caiva NS1882
Critical Apparatus
This she-serpent is situated in Mûlâdhâr. She should be caught and moved daily, morning and evening, for ½ a prahar (1½ hours), by filling with air through Pingalâ by the Paridhana method.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Nachdem Morgens und Abends die so verweilende Phaņâvatî (Kundali) sich einen halben Prahara (= 11/2 St.) lang aus Sûrya (Pingala) gesättigt hat, kann man sie durch Anwendung eines Kleidungsstücks ergreifen und beständig hin und her bewegen.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.95*2
वितस्तिप्रमितं दैर्घ्यं विस्तारं चतुरङ्गुलम् |
vitasti-pramitaṃ dairghyaṃ; vistāraṃ catur-aṅgulam | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
vitasti
tatpuruṣa-compound instrumental case
substantive feminine
one hand-span
pramitam
nominative accusative singular neuter past participle passive
previx
verbal root
measured
dairghyam
nominative accusative singular
substantive neuter
length
vistāram
accusative singular
substantive masculine
width
catur
dvigu-compound
numeral
four
aṅgulam
nominative accusative singular
substantive neuter
finger-breadths
मृदुलं धवलं प्रोक्तं वेष्टनाम्बरलक्षणम् ||95*2||
mṛdulaṃ dhavalaṃ proktaṃ; veṣṭanāmbara-lakṣaṇam ||95*2|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
mṛdulam
nominative accusative singular neuter
adjective
soft
dhavalam
nominative accusative singular neuter
adjective
white
proktam
nominative accusative singular neuter past participle passive
previx
verbal root
taught, described
veṣṭana
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of wrapping
ambara
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
cloth
lakṣaṇam
nominative accusative singular
substantive neuter
mark, specification
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
The cloth used for the wrapping technique should be one handspan long, four fingers wide, soft, and white.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

Brahmānanda locates the Kanda between the navel and sexual organ, approximately one span above the base region. He describes it as four fingerbreadths in size, soft, white, and resembling a rolled cloth or an egg. For a more precise location, he cites Gorakṣa and Yājñavalkya; the 72,000 Nāḍīs are said to arise from the Kanda.

Brahmānanda's Jyotsnā - 19th c.
vitastipramitaṃ dairghyaṃ MBHDL2026 ] ūrdhvaṃ vitastimātraṃ tu NS1882
Critical Apparatus
The bulb is above the anus, a vitasti (12 angulas) long, and measures 4 angulas (3 inches) in extent and is soft and white, and appears as if a folded cloth.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Kanda ist eine Spanne oberhalb (nämlich des Mûlasthana), 4 angula (= 3 Zoll) im Durchmesser, weich, glänzend und durch ein gürtelartiges Kleidungsstück bezeichnet.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.96
वज्रासनस्थितो योगी चालयित्वा तु कुण्डलीम् |
vajrāsana-sthito yogī; cālayitvā tu kuṇḍalīm | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
vajra
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
vajra
āsana
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive neuter
posture
sthitaḥ
nominative singular masculine past participle passive
verbal root
situated
yogī
nominative singular
substantive masculine
the yogin
cālayitvā
absolutus
verbal root
having moved
tu
particle
but, then
kuṇḍalīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
कुर्यादनन्तरं भस्त्रीं कुण्डलीमाशु बोधयेत् ||96||
kuryād anantaraṃ bhastrīṃ; kuṇḍalīm āśu bodhayet ||96|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kuryāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
should perform
anantaram
adverb
immediately afterward
bhastrīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
bellows practice
kuṇḍalīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
āśu
adverb
quickly
bodhayet
3rd person singular causative optative
verbal root
should awaken
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
Kuṇḍalinī is moved while the yogi sits in Vajrāsana. Bhastrī follows immediately to awaken her quickly.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

For Brahmānanda, the sequence is binding. In Vajrāsana, Kuṇḍalinī is first moved, immediately followed by Bhastrā, the bellows breath. He also explains the subsequent contraction of the “sun” as drawing in the navel region. Here Kumbhaka continues Śakticālana.

Brahmānanda's Jyotsnā - 19th c.
bhastrīṃ MBHDL2026 ] bhastrāṃ NS1882
Critical Apparatus
The Yogî, sitting with Vajra-âsana and having moved Kuṇḍalî, should perform Bhastrikâ to awaken the Kuṇḍalî soon.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
In dem Vajrâsana verweilend, „bewege" der Yogin die Kundali, darauf führe er den Bhastrâkumbhaka aus und wecke die Kundalî auf.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97
भानोराकुञ्चनं कुर्यात् कुण्डलीं चालयेत्ततः |
bhānor ākuñcanaṃ kuryāt; kuṇḍalīṃ cālayet tataḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
bhānoḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of the sun
ākuñcanam
accusative singular
substantive neuter
contraction
kuryāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
should perform
kuṇḍalīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
cālayet
3rd person singular causative optative
verbal root
should move
tataḥ
adverb
afterward
मृत्युवक्त्रगतस्यापि तस्य मृत्युभयं कुतः ||97||
mṛtyu-vaktra-gatasyāpi; tasya mṛtyu-bhayaṃ kutaḥ ||97|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
mṛtyu
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
death
vaktra
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
mouth, face
gatasya
genitive singular masculine past participle passive
verbal root
gone
api
particle
even
tasya
genitive singular masculine
pronoun
for him
mṛtyu
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
death
bhayam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
fear
kutaḥ
adverb
whence?
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
Through contraction of the sun and movement of Kuṇḍalinī, even the nearness of death loses its terror.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
Bhânu (Sûrya, near the navel) should be contracted (by contracting the navel) which will move the Kuṇḍalî. There is no fear for him who does so, even if he has entered the mouth of death.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Man drücke den Sûrya zusammen und „bewege " die Kundalî; wie sollte sich dann selbst Einer, der sich im Rachen des Todes befindet, noch vor dem Tode fürchten?
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*1
नासादक्षिणमार्गवाहिपवनात्प्राणे ऽतिदीर्घीकृते चन्द्राम्भःपरिपूरितामृततनुः प्राग्घण्टिकायास्तथा |
nāsā-dakṣiṇa-mārga-vāhi-pavanāt, prāṇe 'ti-dīrghī-kṛte candrāmbhaḥ-paripūritāmṛta-tanuḥ, prāg ghaṇṭikāyās tathā | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
nāsā
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
of the nose
dakṣiṇa
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
right
mārga
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive masculine
path
vāhin
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
flowing
pavanāt
ablative singular
substantive masculine
through the breath wind
prāṇe
lokative singular
substantive masculine
in prāṇa
ati
karmadhāraya-compound
previx
greatly
dīrghī
upapada-compound
base
lengthened
kṛte
lokative singular masculine past participle passive
verbal root
made
candra
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of the moon
ambhas
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
water, nectar
paripūrita
karmadhāraya-compound
previx
verbal root
filled
amṛta
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
immortal
tanuḥ
nominative singular masculine bahuvrīhi-compund
substantive feminine
having a body
prāk
adverb
already, previously
ghaṇṭikāyāḥ
genitive singular
substantive feminine
of the uvula
tathā
adverb
in this way
सिञ्चन्कालविशालवह्निवशगान्भ्रूरन्ध्रनाडीगणान् तत्कायं कुरुते पुनर्नवतरं जीर्णद्रुमस्कन्धवत् ||97*1||
siñcan kāla-viśāla-vahni-vaśagān, bhrū-randhra-nāḍī-gaṇān tat kāyaṃ kurute punar navataraṃ, jīrṇa-druma-skandha-vat ||97*1|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
siñcan
nominative singular masculine present participle active
verbal root
sprinkling
kāla
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of time
viśāla
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
great
vahni
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
fire
vaśagān
accusative plural masculine
adjective
subject to
bhrū
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
of the eyebrow
randhra
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of the opening
nāḍī
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
of the nāḍīs
gaṇān
accusative plural
substantive masculine
the groups
tat
accusative singular masculine
pronoun
this
kāyam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
body
kurute
3rd person singular medial present
verbal root
makes
punar
adverb
again
navataram
accusative singular masculine
adjective
entirely new
jīrṇa
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
old
druma
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
tree
skandha
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
trunk
vat
suffix
like
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
The extended flow of breath through the right nasal passage and the nectar of the moon renew the body. The channels seized by time and decay are nourished, and the body becomes fresh again like a withered tree trunk returning to life.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
nāsādakṣiṇamārgavāhipavanāt prāṇe’tidīrghīkṛte candrāmbhaḥparipūritāmṛtatanuḥ prāg ghaṇṭikāyās tathā siñcan kālaviśālavahnivaśagān bhrūrandhranāḍīgaṇān tat kāyaṃ kurute punar navataraṃ jīrṇadrumaskandhavat MBHDL2026 ] om. NS1882
Critical Apparatus
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*2
कुण्डलीं चालयित्वा तु कुर्याद्भस्त्रीं विशेषतः |
kuṇḍalīṃ cālayitvā tu; kuryād bhastrīṃ viśeṣataḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kuṇḍalīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
cālayitvā
absolutus
verbal root
having moved
tu
particle
then
kuryāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
should perform
bhastrīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Bhastrī
viśeṣataḥ
adverb
especially
एवमभ्यसतो नित्यं यमिनः शङ्कते यमः ||97*2||
evam abhyasato nityaṃ; yaminaḥ śaṅkate yamaḥ ||97*2|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
evam
adverb
thus
abhyasataḥ
genitive singular masculine present participle active
verbal root
of the practitioner
nityam
adverb
regularly
yaminaḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of the self-controlled
śaṅkate
3rd person singular medial present
verbal root
fears
yamaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
Yama, death
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
After moving Kuṇḍalinī, Bhastrī in particular should be practised. Regular practice is said to render even death powerless.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
kuṇḍalīṃ cālayitvā tu kuryād bhastrīṃ viśeṣataḥ evam abhyasato nityaṃ yaminaḥ śaṅkate yamaḥ MBHDL2026 ] transp. NS1882 post HP 3.101*1

kuryād bhastrīṃ MBHDL2026 ] bhastrāṃ kuryād NS1882

abhyasato MBHDL2026 ] abhyasyato NS1882

yaminaḥ śaṅkate yamaḥ MBHDL2026 ] yamino yamabhīḥ kutaḥ NS1882
Critical Apparatus
After moving the Kuṇḍalî, plenty of Bhastrâ should be performed. By such practice, he has no fear from the god of death.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Wenn ein Yogin die Kundalî bewegt, und den Bhastrâkumbhaka besonders übt, woher sollte dem so Uebenden Todesfurcht kommen.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.97*3
तदाभ्यसेत्सूर्यभेदम् उज्जायीं चापि शीतलीम् |
tadābhyaset, sūrya-bhedam; ujjāyīṃ cāpi śītalīm | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tadā
adverb
then
abhyaset
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
should practise
sūrya
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of the sun
bhedam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
piercing
ujjāyīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Ujjāyī
ca
particle
and
api
particle
also
śītalīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Śītalī
एवमभ्यासयुक्तस्य शमनो यमिनः कुतः ||97*3||
evam abhyāsa-yuktasya; śamano yaminaḥ kutaḥ ||97*3|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
evam
adverb
thus
abhyāsa
tatpuruṣa-compound instrumental case
substantive masculine
with practice
yuktasya
genitive singular masculine
adjective
joined
śamanaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
subduer, god of death
yaminaḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of the self-controlled
kutaḥ
adverb
whence?
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
One who practises in this way and incorporates techniques such as Sūryabheda, Ujjāyī, and Śītalī overcomes the power of death.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
tadābhyaset sūryabhedam ujjāyīṃ cāpi śītalīm evam abhyāsayuktasya śamano yaminaḥ kutaḥ MBHDL2026 ] om. NS1882
Critical Apparatus
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.98
मुहूर्तद्वयपर्यन्तं निर्भयं चालनादसौ |
muhūrta-dvaya-paryantaṃ; nirbhayaṃ cālanād asau | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
muhūrta
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
muhūrta
dvaya
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
pair, two
paryantam
accusative singular
substantive neuter
to the end
nirbhayam
accusative singular neuter adv
adjective
fearlessly
cālanāt
ablative singular
substantive neuter
through moving
asau
nominative singular feminine
pronoun
this
ऊर्ध्वमाकृष्यते किंचित् सुषुम्णा कुण्डलीगता ||98||
ūrdhvam ākṛṣyate kiṃcit; suṣumṇā kuṇḍalī-gatā ||98|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
ūrdhvam
adverb
upward
ākṛṣyate
3rd person singular passive present
previx
verbal root
is drawn
kiṃcit
adverb
somewhat
suṣumṇā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Suṣumṇā
kuṇḍalī
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive feminine
in Kuṇḍalī
gatā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
verbal root
situated, gone
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
When Kuṇḍalinī is moved fearlessly for two Muhūrtas, the Suṣumṇā situated within her is drawn slightly upward.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
suṣumṇā kuṇḍalīgatā MBHDL2026 ] suṣumṇāyāṃ samudgatā NS1882
Critical Apparatus
By moving this, for two muhûrtas, it is drawn up a little by entering the Suṣumnâ (spinal column).
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Durch das Hinundherbewegen gelangt Jene auf die Dauer von zwei muhûrta (= 11/2 St.) ohne Gefahr in die Sushumna und wird etwas aufwärts gezogen.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.99
तेन कुण्डलिनी तस्याः सुषुम्णायाः समुद्धृता |
tena kuṇḍalinī tasyāḥ; suṣumṇāyāḥ samuddhṛtā | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tena
instrumental case singular neuter
pronoun
thereby
kuṇḍalinī
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
tasyāḥ
genitive singular feminine
pronoun
from this, from her
suṣumṇāyāḥ
ablative genitive singular
substantive feminine
Suṣumṇā
samuddhṛtā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
previx
previx
verbal root
drawn out
जहाति तस्मात्प्राणो ऽयं सुषुम्णां व्रजति स्वतः ||99||
jahāti tasmāt, prāṇo 'yaṃ; suṣumṇāṃ vrajati svataḥ ||99|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
jahāti
3rd person singular aktive present
verbal root
leaves
tasmāt
ablative singular
pronoun
therefore
prāṇaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
prāṇa
ayam
nominative singular masculine
pronoun
this
suṣumṇām
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Suṣumṇā
vrajati
3rd person singular aktive present
verbal root
goes, enters
svataḥ
adverb
by itself
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
When Kuṇḍalinī is drawn out of her seat, the path opens and Prāṇa enters Suṣumṇā by itself.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
suṣumṇāyāḥ samuddhṛtā MBHDL2026 ] suṣumṇāyā mukhaṃ dhruvam NS1882
Critical Apparatus
By this Kuṇḍalinî leaves the entrance of the Suṣumnâ at once, and the Prâṇa enters it of itself.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Dadurch verlässt die Kundali sicher die Mündung der Sushumnâ, und der Athem geht von selbst in die Sushumna.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.100
तस्मात्संचालयेन्नित्यं शब्दगर्भामरुन्धतीम् |
tasmāt saṃcālayen nityaṃ; śabda-garbhām arundhatīm | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tasmāt
ablative singular
pronoun
therefore
saṃcālayet
3rd person singular causative optative
previx
verbal root
should move
nityam
adverb
regularly
śabda
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
sound, word
garbhām
accusative singular feminine
adjective
containing
arundhatīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
Arundhatī
तस्याः संचालनेनैव योगी रोगैः प्रमुच्यते ||100||
tasyāḥ saṃcālanenaiva; yogī rogaiḥ pramucyate ||100|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tasyāḥ
genitive singular feminine
pronoun
her
saṃcālanena
instrumental case singular
substantive neuter
moving
eva
particle
alone
yogī
nominative singular
substantive masculine
the yogin
rogaiḥ
ablative plural
substantive masculine
from diseases
pramucyate
3rd person singular passive present
previx
verbal root
is freed
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
Arundhatī, the sound-bearing Kuṇḍalinī, is to be moved regularly. Through this, the yogi becomes free from disease.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
śabdagarbhām MBHDL2026 ] sukhasuptām NS1882
Critical Apparatus
Therefore, this comfortably sleeping Arundhatî should always be moved; for by so doing the Yogî gets rid of diseases.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Darum „bewege" man immer die ruhig schlummernde Arundhatî, denn durch das Bewegen derselben wird der Yogin von Krankheiten befreit.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.101
येन संचालिता शक्तिः स योगी सिद्धिभाजनम् |
yena saṃcālitā śaktiḥ; sa yogī siddhi-bhājanam | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
yena
instrumental case singular masculine
pronoun
by whom
saṃcālitā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
previx
verbal root
moved
śaktiḥ
nominative singular
substantive feminine
śakti
saḥ
nominative singular masculine
pronoun
he
yogī
nominative singular
substantive masculine
yogin
siddhi
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
siddhi
bhājanam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
vessel, recipient
किमत्र बहुनोक्तेन कालं जयति लीलया ||101||
kim atra bahunoktena; kālaṃ jayati līlayā ||101|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kim
nominative accusative singular neuter
pronoun inter
what?
atra
adverb
here
bahunā
instrumental case singular neuter
adjective
with much
uktena
instrumental case singular neuter past participle passive
verbal root
said
kālam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
time, death
jayati
3rd person singular aktive present
verbal root
conquers
līlayā
instrumental case singular
substantive feminine
playfully
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
One who has moved Śakti is ready for Siddhi. In short, such a practitioner overcomes death as if in play.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
The Yogî, who has been able to move the Śakti deserves success. It is useless to say more, suffice it to say that he conquers death playfully.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Der Yogin, durch den die Şakti bewegt wird, wird der acht Zauberkräfte theilhaft werden. Wozu sollte ich noch mehr sagen? den Tod besiegt er spielend.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.101*1
ब्रह्मचर्यव्रतस्यैव नित्यं हितमिताशिनः |
brahmacarya-vratasyaiva; nityaṃ hita-mitāśinaḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
brahmacarya
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of brahmacarya
vratasya
genitive singular
substantive neuter
whose vow
eva
particle
only, indeed
nityam
adverb
always
hita
dvandva-compound
adjective
wholesome
mita
dvandva-compound
adjective
measured
āśinaḥ
genitive singular masculine
adjective
eating
मण्डलाद्दृश्यते सिद्धिः कुण्डल्यभ्यासयोगिनः ||101*1||
maṇḍalād dṛśyate siddhiḥ; kuṇḍaly abhyāsa-yoginaḥ ||101*1|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
maṇḍalāt
ablative singular
substantive neuter
after one maṇḍala, forty days
dṛśyate
3rd person singular passive present
verbal root
becomes visible
siddhiḥ
nominative singular
substantive feminine
success, perfection
kuṇḍalī
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
of Kuṇḍalinī
abhyāsa
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of practice
yoginaḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of the yogin
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
One who has taken a vow of Brahmacarya, always eats wholesome food in moderation, and practises Kuṇḍalinī sees success after forty days.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

Brahmānanda defines the Siddhi promised after one Maṇḍala, here forty days, as success in Prāṇāyāma. The prerequisites are Brahmacarya, which he explains as control of the sexual organ together with the other senses, and a digestible, moderate diet that leaves one quarter of the stomach free. The stated period is thus subject to clear ethical and dietary conditions.

Brahmānanda's Jyotsnā - 19th c.
brahmacaryavratasyaiva MBHDL2026 ] brahmacaryaratasyaiva NS1882
Critical Apparatus
The Yogî observing Brahmacharya (continence) and always eating sparingly gets success within 40 days by practice with the Kuṇḍalinî.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Bei einem Yogin, der sich mit dem Bewegen der Kundalî abgibt, sich der Enthaltsamkeit befleissigt, passende Nahrung immer mässig geniesst, wird nach einem Mandala (= 40 Tagen) Erfolg (im Pranayama) sichtbar.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.102
अभ्यासनिःसृतां चान्द्रीं विभूत्या सह मिश्रयेत् |
abhyāsa-niḥsṛtāṃ cāndrīṃ; vibhūtyā saha miśrayet | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
abhyāsa
tatpuruṣa-compound ablative
substantive masculine
practice
niḥsṛtām
accusative singular feminine past participle passive
previx
verbal root
produced
cāndrīm
accusative singular
substantive feminine
lunar fluid
vibhūtyā
instrumental case singular
substantive feminine
ashes
saha
particle
together with
miśrayet
3rd person singular causative optative
verbal root
should mix
तद्धारणं तूत्तमाङ्गे दिव्यदृष्टिप्रदायकम् ||102||
tad-dhāraṇaṃ, tūttamāṅge; divya-dṛṣṭi-pradāyakam ||102|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tad
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
pronoun
its
dhāraṇam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
wearing
tu
particle
but
uttama
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
highest
aṅge
lokative singular
substantive neuter
limb, head
divya
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
divine
dṛṣṭi
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
sight
pradāyakam
nominative singular neuter
adjective
bestowing
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
The lunar fluid produced through practice is mixed with ash. Worn on the head, it is said to bestow divine sight.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
abhyāsaniḥsṛtāṃ cāndrīṃ vibhūtyā saha miśrayet taddhāraṇaṃ tūttamāṅge divyadṛṣṭipradāyakam MBHDL2026 ] transp. NS1882 post HP 3.91, ante HP 3.91*1
Critical Apparatus
The bindu discharged in the practice of Vajrolî should be mixed with ashes, and the rubbing it on the best parts of the body gives divine sight.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Die durch die Uebung herausgetretene Cândrî (Soma) vermische man mit Kuhdüngerasche und lege die Mischung auf den oberen Theil des Körpers; so wird man helläugig.
Hermann Walter - 1893
Haṭha Pradīpikā 3.102*1
द्विसप्ततिसहस्राणां नाडीनां मलशोधने |
dvi-saptati-sahasrāṇāṃ; nāḍīnāṃ mala-śodhane | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
dvi
dvigu-compound
numeral
two
saptati
dvigu-compound
numeral
seventy
sahasrāṇām
genitive plural
substantive neuter
thousand
nāḍīnām
genitive plural
substantive feminine
of the nāḍīs
mala
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of impurity
śodhane
lokative singular
substantive neuter
when purified
कुतः प्रक्षालनोपायः कुण्डल्यभ्यसनादृते ||102*1||
kutaḥ prakṣālanopāyaḥ; kuṇḍaly abhyasanād ṛte ||102*1|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kutaḥ
adverb
whence?
prakṣālana
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
of washing, cleansing
upāyaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
means
kuṇḍalī
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
of Kuṇḍalī
abhyasanāt
ablative singular
substantive neuter
without practice
ṛte
particle
without
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
Here, the purification of the 72,000 Nāḍīs is explicitly accomplished through Kuṇḍalī practice; without it, there is no corresponding means.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
dvisaptatisahasrāṇāṃ MBHDL2026 ] dvāsaptatisahasrāṇāṃ NS1882
Critical Apparatus
There is no other way, but the practice of the Kuṇḍalî, for washing away the impurities of 72,000 Nâdîs.
Pancham Sinh - 1915
Woher sollte beim Reinigen der 72000 Nâdi das Reinigungsmittel kommen, wenn nicht von der Kundalî-Uebung?
Hermann Walter - 1893

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Dr. Ronald Steiner

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The "Yoga Doc" - Dr. Ronald Steiner is the founder of the AYI method. This method links traditional Ashtanga Yoga with innovative Yogatherapy and living Philosophy. This forms a practice that is personal for each and... more ›

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