Shriyog

Pranayama is a conscious prolongation of inhalation, retention and exhalation. Inhalation is the act of receiving the primeval energy in the form of breath, and retention is when the breath…

Exercises involve repetition of certain movements aimed at building a certain group of muscles, thereby increasing the muscle weight and improving strength of those body parts. It increases the blood supply those parts.

The treatise is composed by Svatmarama, and was originally written between the 14th and 16th century. Although it is popularly known as Hathayoga Pradipika, Svatmarama preferred referring to it as Hatha Pradipika. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Svatmarama introduces his system as preparatory stage for physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation or yoga.

If yoga is about neutralizing the alternating waves in consciousness, then the 8 limbs of Yoga are the proper means to reach the final goal. The first two limbs are the Yama and Niyama, dealt in the second Chapter of Sadhana Pada in Patanjali’s Yoga sutras. They control a yogi’s passion and emotions and keep him in harmony with his fellow men.