Nithyananda Yoga - Shastra Pramana

NITHYANANDA YOGA​SM
Scriptural References on Yoga

Shastra Pramanas on: Shashtanga Yoga, Lifestyle, diet,
Kumbhaka, Mudras, Bandhas, Kundalini

Source of Pramanas: Yoga Upanishads, Kirana Agama, Sarvajnanottara Agama, Paramesvara Agama,
Vijnanabhairava tantra

This book is not a platform, guide or instruction for learning or practicing any meditation, siddhi, process,
asana, kriya, diet, or other technique that is described or pictured in this book. Any such technique
included in this book is for illustrative and informative purposes only and should be practiced only under
the guidance of a trained teacher or Acharya, ordained by H. H. Paramahamsa Nithyananda.
To l​ earn more, please contact su​[email protected].

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Paramahamsa Nithyananda is revered, regarded, respected and worshipped as the Avatar (living
incarnation) of super-consciousness by millions across the globe. He is also the spiritual head of Sri
Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani (Mahanirvani Peetha), the oldest and largest apex body of Hinduism.

He and his Sangha (spiritual community) around the globe is serving humanity by reviving the science of
completion, science of Enlightenment and manifesting various extraordinary spiritual powers as per the
Vedic Agamic tradition of Sanatana Hindu Dharma. He is the author of 300 books, which are translated
and published in 500 titles and various international languages.

His Sangha has a strong presence worldwide through numerous Temples, Adheenams (Temple
monastery complex), Gurukuls (Vedic schools), universities, goshalas (cow shelters) established by Him.
His live Satsangs (spiritual discourses) are viewed every day on nithyananda.tv by people from all
countries around the world.

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Published by Nithyananda University Press | Copyright© 2017

NITHYANANDA UNIVERSITY
9720 Central Avenue, Montclair, CA 91763 USA
www.nithyanandauniversity.org

© 2017 Nithyananda University Press
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.

Nothing written explained, shared or promoted in this free
publication should be considered or construed as medical
advice or a substitute for medical care. Any instructions,
teachings and suggestions contained in this publication are
purely in a spiritual capacity and not intended to be any sort
of guarantee or definitive statement about one’s health or
one’s past, present, or future.

This book is not a platform, guide or instruction for learning
or practicing any meditation, siddhi, process, asana, kriya, diet,
or other technique that is described or pictured in this book.
Any such technique included in this book is for illustrative and
informative purposes only and should be practiced only under
the guidance of a trained teacher or Acharya, ordained by
H. H. Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

To learn more, please contact
[email protected]

3

In deep devotion and surrender we bow to the Satguru who is the embodiment of Cosmic
energy.

satguru-vandanam
nityānandaṁ paramasukhadaṁ kevalaṁ jñānamūrtiṁ
dvandvātītaṁ gaganasadṛśaṁ tattvamasyādi-lakṣyam |
ekaṁ nityaṁ vimalam acalaṁ sarvadhī-sākṣi-bhūtaṁ
bhāvātītaṁ triguṇa-rahitaṁ satguruṁ tam namāmi ||

“I surrender to that Satguru who is the eternal bliss, the bestower of supreme
happiness, the One, who is the embodiment of wisdom, who is beyond duality, who is
omnipresent, to whom the Supreme goal is giving the Enlightenment experience, who is
eternal, pure and unshakable, who is the silent spectator of all thought processes, who
is beyond emotions, who is without the three qualities called Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.”

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Table of Contents

Shastra Pramanas on: Shashtanga Yoga, Lifestyle, diet, Kumbhaka, Mudras, Bandhas,

Kundalini 1

Table of Contents 5

What You need to know about Yoga 24
1) Yoga is from Sadashiva 24
2) Yoga is from Hinduism 24
3) Yoga is the science of radiating enlightenment 25
Seeking the source 25

Pramāṇas: the Four Authorities and Evidences of Truth 26
Shāstra Pramāṇas and Āpta Pramāṇas 26
Atma Pramaṇa and Sākshi Pramaṇa 26

On Shashtanga Yoga 28
Through Yoga one attains liberation 28
Shashtanga Yoga - the six limbs of yoga by Sadashiva 28
Definition of Sadashiva’s Shashtanga Yoga 29
Original Verse 29
Transliteration 29
Translation 29
The Six-fold Stages of Yoga 30
Original Verse 30
Transliteration 30
Translation 30
Achievements through Shashtanga Yoga 30
Original Verse 31
Transliteration 31
Translation 31

On the 4 paths of Yoga 32
The 4 paths of Yoga 32
Original Verse 32
Transliteration 32
Translation 32
What is Mantra Yoga? 32
Original Verse 32
Transliteration 32

5

Translation 33
What is Laya Yoga 33
33
Original Verse 33
Transliteration 33
Translation 33
The Meaning of “HATHA Yoga” 34
Original Verse 34
Transliteration 34
Translation 34
4 paths of Yoga revealed by Sadashiva 34
Original Verse 34
Transliteration 34
Translation 35
On the 4 paths of Yoga: The meaning of Laya Yoga 35
Original Verse 35
Transliteration 35
Translation 36
On the 4 paths of Yoga: The meaning of Raja Yoga 36
Original Verse 36
Transliteration 36
Translation 36
Clear instructions on preparing the space for yoga 36
Original Verse 37
Transliteration 37
Translation 37
Prescribed Diet during Yogic practice 38
The Stages of Hatha-yoga 38
Original Verse 38
Transliteration 38
Translation 39
The 4 stages of Yoga 40
Liberation is attained by Yoga 40
Original Verse 40
Transliteration 41
Translation
41
On the preparation for practice 41
Preparing for Yoga: the place and the context of practice 41
Original Verse
6

Transliteration 41
Translation 41
State of Mind for the continuous practice of Yoga 42
Actions/routine before the practice of yoga 43
What happens when a Yogi dies before liberation? 43
Original Verse 43
Transliteration 43
Translation 44
Only through practice liberation is attained 44
Original Verse 44
Transliteration 44
Translation 44
State of Mind for the continuous practice of Yoga 45
Actions/routine before the practice of yoga 46

On Asanas 46
~YOGA PRACTICE: 8 asanas described by Sadashiva 46
~YOGA PRACTICE: Svastikasana 47
~YOGA POSTURES: PADMASANA explained by Sadashiva 48
~YOGA POSTURES: ARDHACANDRASANA explained by Sadashiva 48
~YOGA POSTURES: VIRASANA explained by Sadashiva 49
~YOGA POSTURES: YOGAPATTASANA explained by Sadashiva 50
~YOGA POSTURES: PRASARITA explained by Sadashiva 50
The eleven postures 51
Cakra Asana: a synonym of Padmasana 51
The 8 yoga postures as per Sandilyopanishad 52
Svastika 52
Original Verse 53
Transliteration 53
Translation 53
Go-mukhasana 53
Original Verse 53
Transliteration 53
Translation 53
Padmasana 54
Original Verse 54
Transliteration 54
Translation 54
Virasana 54

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Original Verse 54
Transliteration 55
Translation 55
Simhasana 55
Original Verse 55
Transliteration 55
Translation 55
Siddhasana 56
Original Verse 56
Transliteration 56
Translation 56
Bhadrasana 56
Original Verse 56
Transliteration 57
Translation 57
Muktasana 57
Original Verse 57
Transliteration 57
Translation 57
Mayurasana 58
Original Verse 58
Transliteration 58
Translation 58
(Sukhasana) 59
Original Verse 59
Transliteration 59
Translation 59
Asanas prescribed for Yogic Practices 59
Original Verse 59
Transliteration 59
Translation 59
Padmasana 60
Original Verse 60
Transliteration 60
Translation 60
Vajrasana 60
Original Verse 60
Transliteration 60
Translation 61

8

VIPARITA KARANI 61
Original Verse 61
Transliteration 61
Translation 61
62
Svastika Asana 62
Original Verse 62
Transliteration 62
Translation 62
62
Svastika Asana ii 62
Original Verse 63
Translation 63
Transliteration 63
63
Gomukha-Asana 63
Original Verse 63
Transliteration 63
Translation 63
64
Gomukha-Asana ii 64
Original Verse 64
Transliteration 64
Translation 64
64
Virasana 64
Original Verse 64
Transliteration 65
Translation 65
65
Virasana ii 65
Yogasana 65
65
Transliteration 65
Translation 65
Padmasana ii 66
Original Verse 66
Transliteration 66
Translation 66
Padmasana iii
Original Verse 9
Transliteration
Translation
Baddha-padmasana
Original Verse
Transliteration

Translation 66
Kukkutasana 66
66
Original Verse 66
Transliteration 67
Translation 67
Uttana-kurmaka asana 67
Original Verse 67
Transliteration 67
Translation 67
Dhanurasana 67
Original Verse 67
Transliteration 68
Translation 68
Simha-rupakasana 68
Original Verse 68
Transliteration 68
Translation 68
Bhadrasana 68
Original Verse 68
Transliteration 69
Translation 69
Bhadrasana 69
Original Verse 69
Transliteration 69
Translation 69
Muktasana 69
Transliteration 70
Translation 70
Muktasana 70
Original Verse 70
Transliteration 70
Translation 70
Mayurasana 70
Original Verse 71
Transliteration 71
Translation 71
Mayurasana 71
Original Verse 71
Transliteration
10

Translation 71
Matsya-pithaka 71
72
Original Verse 72
Transliteration 72
Translation 72
Siddhasana 72
Original Verse 72
Transliteration 72
Translation 72
Pascimatana Asana 73
Original Verse 73
Transliteration 73
Translation 73
Sukhasana 73
Original Verse 73
Transliteration 73
Translation 73
Sukhasana 74
Original Verse 74
Transliteration 74
Translation 74
On Mastery of Asana 74
Original Verse 74
Transliteration 74
Translation 74
Conquer of Asana brings control of Body 75
Description of position, space and state for Yogic Meditation 75
Mention of five Asanas 75
Description of posture and state of mind to start the practice of Yoga
76
On Pranayama 76
Definition of Pranayama 76
Definition of Pranayama 76
Original Verse 77
Transliteration 77
Translation 77
Kumbhakas and Bandhas to acheive the Ultimate state of Yoga 77
Original Verse 77
Transliteration
11

Translation 77
On breathing techniques: Surya Bedha - The disease killer 78
78
Original Verse 78
Transliteration 78
Translation 78
Sitali Kumbhaka - Remover of hunger and thirst 78
Original Verse 79
Transliteration 79
Translation 79
On breathing techniques: Bhastrika Kumbhaka 79
Original Verse 79
Transliteration 80
Translation 80
Description of Breath 80
Original Verse 80
Transliteration 81
Translation 81
Description of Pranayama 81
Original Verse 81
Transliteration 81
Translation 82
Preparing the place for yoga practice 82
Original Verse 82
Transliteration 82
Translation 83
The Benefits of Pranayama 83
Original Verse 83
Transliteration 83
Translation 84
Guidance on the practice of Pranayama 84
Original Verse 84
Transliteration 84
Translation 84
Advice during the practice of pranayama 85
Special instructions on the Practice of Yoga 86
Purification of the nadis and experience of bliss 87
The qualities of the breath 87
The Yogic Powers attained from Pranayama 87
Original Verse
12

Transliteration 88
Translation 89
The Purification of the Nadis 90
Original Verse 90
Transliteration 90
Translation 90
Breathing technique: Hamsa Mantra 90
Breathing technique: Pranava Pranayama 91
Purifying the nadis in 3 months through the breath 92
Technique to Purify the cranium 93
Ujjayi Pranayama 94
Sitkari Pranayama 95
Sitali Pranayama 95
Opening the Susumna by Kumbhaka 96
Frequency of practice of pranayama 97
2 varieties of Kumbhakas & Benefits 98
Kevala Kumbhaka 99
Original Verse 99
Transliteration 99
Translation 99
Precise time count for Pranayama 100
Original Verse 100
Transliteration 100
Translation 100
On the DURATION of Pranayama 100
Original Verse 101
Transliteration 101
Translation 101
BENEFITS of PRANAYAMA and purifying the nadis 102
Original Verse 102
Transliteration 102
Translation 102
Nāḍīśodhaka prāṇāyāmaḥ 103
Transliteration 103
Translation 103
Nāḍīśodhanam 103
Original Verse 103
Transliteration 103
Translation 104

13

Pranayama with Pranava Mantra 104
Original Verse 104
Transliteration 104
Translation 105
105
Pranayama with Pranava mantra (2) 105
Original Verse 105
Transliteration 105
Translation 106
106
Pranayama with Kumbhaka 106
Original Verse 106
Transliteration 106
Translation 106
107
Effect of the Pranayama with Kumbhakas 107
Original Verse 107
Transliteration 107
Translation 107
107
Shitali Pranayama 107
Original Verse 108
Transliteration 108
Translation 108
108
Pranayama through left nostril 108
Original Verse 108
Transliteration 108
Translation 108
109
Pranayama with kumbhaka in navel 109
Original Verse 109
Transliteration 109
Translation 109
109
Shitali Kumbhaka 109
Original Verse 110
Transliteration 110
Translation 110

Kumbhakas to heal diseases of the head 14
Original Verse
Transliteration
Translation

4 kinds of pranayama
Original Verse
Transliteration

Translation 110
The Surya Kumbhaka - A powerful purifying technique 111
111
Original Verse 111
Transliteration 111
Translation 112
The Ujjayi Kumbhaka - Easy technique to relieve your Cold! 112
Transliteration 112
Translation 113
Sitali-Kumbhaka - Great healing technique! 113
Original Verse 113
Transliteration 113
Translation 113
The Bhastrika Kumbhaka - Spark the inner fire of Health! 113
Original Verse 114
Transliteration 114
Translation 115
How to start the practice of Kumbhakas? 115
Original Verse 115
Transliteration 115
Translation 115
Pranayama and Kundalini Awakening 116
Ham - Sa Breathing Teachnique 116
Equalizing Prana and meditation on Siva 116
Achieving union with Shiva through such practice 117
Sagarbha Pranayama in 3 kinds, and control of breath 117
Effect of Pranayama, Dharana, Pratyahara, Dhyana 117
Description of Puraka 117
Description of Kumbhaka 118
Description of Rechaka 118
Description of Matra 118
Description of Tala (Twelve Matras) 119
Level of Pranayama Based on Number of Talas 119
Yogi to Increase One Tala per day in Practice of Pranayama
119
On Pratyahara 119
Sadashiva’s Description of Pratyāhāra 119
Original Verse 120
Transliteration 120
Translation
15

Pratyahara: withdrawal through Kumbhaka 120
Pratyahara 121

On Bandhas 121
3 Bandhas 121
Uddiyana Bandha: the Anti-aging technique 122
The 3 Bandhas - success to the accomplishment of Yoga 123
Original Verse 123
Transliteration 123
Translation 124
The Mula Bandha Explained 124
Original Verse 124
Transliteration 124
Translation 124
The Uddyana Bandha explained 125
Original Verse 125
Transliteration 125
Translation 125
The Jalamdhara Bandha explained 126
Original Verse 126
Transliteration 126
Translation 126
The 3 Bandhas - Instructed by Sadashiva 127
Original Verse 127
Transliteration 127
Translation 127
Maha Bandha 128
Original Verse 128
Transliteration 128
Translation 128
Advanced Yogic Practices: 3 Types of Bandhas Revealed 128
Original Verse 129
Transliteration 129
Translation 129
Mula Bandha 129
Original Verse 129
Transliteration 129
Translation 129
Amazing description of The Mula-bandha - for True Yogis! 130

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Original Verse 130
Transliteration 130
Translation 131
The Uddiyana Bandha described by Sadashiva 131
Original Verse 131
Transliteration 131
Translation 131
How to practice Uddiyana Bandha 132
Original Verse 132
Transliteration 132
Translation 132
How to perform the Jalamdhara Bandha 133
Original Verse 133
Transliteration 133
Translation 133
Jalamdhara Bandha 134
Original Verse 134
Transliteration 134
Translation 134
The Three Bandhas - Anti-Aging and Enlightening! 134
Original Verse 134
Transliteration 135
Translation 135

On Dharana 135
Definition of Dharana - Shastra Pramana 136
Original Verse 136
Transliteration 136
Translation 136
Definition of Dharana - Atma Pramana 136
Dharana: beholding the Atman through every sense 136
Original Verse 137
Transliteration 137
Translation 137
~4 KINDS OF DHARANAS EXPLAINED BY SADASHIVA 137
Vahni Dhāraṇa 138
Benefits of Vahni Dhāraṇa 138
Continuing on Vahni Dhāraṇa 139
Saumya Dhāraṇa 139

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BENEFITS of Saumya Dhāraṇa 140
3rd Dhāraṇa by Sadashiva: Amrita Dharana 141
Benefits of Amrita Dharana 141
~YOGA PRACTICE: Benefits of Para-Dharana 142
~Effortless Dharana 142
Conquering Death through Dharana 143
143
Original Verse 143
Transliteration 144
Translation 144
Dharana: go beyond fear of water 144
Original Verse 144
Transliteration 144
Translation 145
Dharana: conquer fire! 145
Original Verse 145
Transliteration 145
Translation 146
Dharana: BEYOND THE AIR ELEMENT 146
Original Verse 146
Transliteration 146
Translation 147
Dharana: Move in etheral space 147
Original Verse 147
Transliteration 147
Translation 148
Dharana: Expression of Yogic Powers 148
Original Verse 148
Transliteration 148
Translation 148
Dharana on the navel center 149
Original Verse 149
Transliteration 149
Translation 149
Dharana at the tip of the nose 149
Original Verse 149
Transliteration 150
Translation 150
Dharana of the vital air in any limb 150
Original Verse
18

Transliteration 150
Translation 150
Dharana on Earth element 150
Original Verse 150
Transliteration 150
Translation 151
Dharana on water element 151
Original Verse 151
Transliteration 151
Translation 151
Dharana on fire element 151
Original Verse 151
Transliteration 152
Translation 152
Dharana on air element 152
Original Verse 152
Transliteration 152
Translation 152
Dharana on the Ether 152
Original Verse 152
Transliteration 153
Translation 153
Dharana: Technique on internal vision 153
Original Verse 153
Transliteration 153
Translation 153
Dharana: Technique on external vision 154
Original Verse 154
Transliteration 154
Translation 154
Dharana: intermediate vision 154
Original Verse 155
Transliteration 155
Translation 155
What is Considered Dharana, Yoga and Yogasiddhi 156

On Dhyana 156
Dhyana - Atma Pramana 156
Dhyana - Meditation for Yogis 156

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Original Verse 156
Transliteration 157
Translation 157
Dhyana - Meditation on the 5 elements 157
Original Verse 157
Transliteration 157
Translation 158
Dhyana to acheive alone-ness (Kaivalya) 158
Original Verse 158
Transliteration 158
Translation 158
Dhyana - Meditation on Vishnu 159
Original Verse 159
Transliteration 159
Translation 159
Dhyana - Meditation on the lotus of the heart 160
Original Verse 160
Transliteration 160
Translation 160
Meditating in Supreme Self Residing Neither Inside nor Outside the Body 161
Meditating in Supreme Self - Description 161
Meditation to experience oneness with Shiva 161
Knowledge of person qualified for Yoga and Shivoham as the fruit of dhyana 161

On Samadhi 162
Experiencing Samadhi 162
Original Verse 162
Transliteration 162
Translation 162

On Mudras 162
Amaroli 163
Original Verse 163
Transliteration 163
Translation 163
Khecari Mudra - The sacred secret of Yogis 163
Original Verse 163
Transliteration 164
Translation 164
Maha Vedha - Technique for Siddhas 164

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Original Verse 164
Transliteration 164
Translation 164
The Great Khecari Mudra for Yogis 165
Original Verse 165
Transliteration 165
Translation 166
Mahāmudrā 166
Original Verse 166
Transliteration 167
Translation 167
San-Mukhi Mudra 168
Original Verse 168
Transliteration 168
Translation 168
San-Mukhi-Mudra 169
Original Verse 169
Transliteration 169
Translation 169
ṣaṇmukhīmudrā 169
Original Verse 169
Transliteration 170
Translation 170
Khecarī Mudra definition 170
Original Verse 170
Transliteration 171
Translation 171
Practice of the Khe-cari Mudra- detailed technique 172
Original Verse 172
Transliteration 172
Translation 173
The perfection of Khecarī Mudra 174
Original Verse 174
Transliteration 174
Translation 174
Practice of Mahamudra 175
Original Verse 175
Transliteration 175
Translation 175

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Sambhavi-mudra 175
Original Verse 176
Transliteration 176
Translation 176
176
Khecari Mudra and the state of bliss 177
Vaisnavi Mudra 178
Khecari Mudra - Going beyond death
179
On Mantras 179
Technique of Mantra Yoga 179
Original Verse 179
Transliteration 179
Translation
180
Shiva mulamantra as instructed by Guru before Commencing Yoga
180
Benefits of Shiva Mula Mantra 180
Mula mantra as source of six angas mantras 181
Krama Yoga, Five Subtle Elements and Associated Seed Letter 181
Achievements through this supreme yoga system 181
On Ajapa, Hamsa Mantra & its benefits 182
Original Verse 182
Transliteration 182
Translation 183
Pranava Mantra - OM 183
Original Verse 183
Transliteration 184
Translation
184
On Kundalini 184
How to enter Turiya - The awakened state of consciousness 185
Control of the vital airs to experience higher consciousness 186
Yogic techniques for Kundalini Awakening 186
Original Verse 186
Transliteration 187
Translation 187
Kundalini Awakening and to reach the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi 187
Original Verse 188
Transliteration 188
Translation 189
Rousing the Kundalini
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Original Verse 189
Transliteration 189
Translation 189
Yoga in a Nut-Shell 189
Piercing the three knots on the path of Yoga 191
Piercing the three knots on the path of Yoga 192

On GURU 193
The Need of Guru in Yoga Practice 193
Original Verse 193
Transliteration 193
Translation 193

On Yogic Powers and Yogic Dissolution 193
Wastage of the 5 elements and the effect on body decay 193
The Yogic after life: Infinite possibilities 194
Original Verse 194
Transliteration 195
Translation 195
The Ultimate flowering of Yogic Practice 195
Original Verse 195
Transliteration 196
Translation 196

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What You need to know about Yoga

On June 21st 2016 International Day of Yoga, H.H. Paramahamsa Nithyananda addressed the
world by sharing sacred secrets on the true Origins of Yoga. Here is what you have never been
told, but need to know about Yoga:

1) Yoga is from Sadashiva

This first thing you need to know is that Yoga did not originate from Patanjali. “Patanjali is the
organizer, not originator. That’s the first thing you need to know”, said Paramahamsa
Nithyananda.

Swamiji explained, “With all my respects to Patanjali, I want to declare this truth to the world: at
least 15, 000 years before Patanjali, a Being walked on the Planet Earth, assuming the physical
form, Adi Guru, Sadashiva, the Founder and Father of the Yoga system.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras is a great book, no doubt, but not the first book. Unfortunately, many
popular yoga gurus all over the world, always stop with Patanjali. Very few say yoga was before
Patanjali, and even if they say, they’re not able to present the scriptures and literature.

All the revelations of Shiva are called Agamas, the complete work of Shiva, where he presents
detailed, elaborate material with high quality precision.

People are very comfortable having Patanjali as the originator of yoga because Patanjali can be
secularized, but not Sadashiva. But it’s time for the world to know and understand that Yoga is
rooted in Sanatana Hindu Dharma.

2) Yoga is from Hinduism

The second important truth is that yoga is from Hinduism.

Always ask for the original source. It is unfortunate that the original scriptures revealed by
Sadashiva are not available for the mass. It is unfortunate nobody promoted that. Because it is
very easy to secularize Patanjali; very difficult to secularize Sadashiva.

We need to understand that Yoga cannot be developed and cannot be separated from
Hinduism. It is a perfect system that was revealed by Sadashiva and further organized by living
enlightened masters, disciples of Shiva over thousands of years, with a clear purpose, an
intention.

24

You cannot develop on Sadashiva. Yoga is a complete science that has taken into account all
types of bodies past, present and yet to come in the future. Altering Yoga is not development
but dilution.

The secular world has diluted a great science that we are yet to discover and reveal to the
masses. But first understand, if you have practiced something in the name of yoga, ask your
teacher for the clear reference. Where did this technique come from? Always as for the source.
Only then you should even consider practicing these techniques safely.

3) Yoga is the science of radiating enlightenment

The third important truth is that Yoga is not just the science of keeping you healthy, Yoga is the
science of radiating enlightenment.

Yoga is not just the ability to stretch your body. It is ability to manifest what you want. Yoga is
not all about making you better man. Yoga is all about making you Superman.

The best that can happen to you on the path of yoga is getting rid of all self-doubt, self-hatred
and self-denial, the root cause of all incompletions. Paramahamsa Nithyananda actively teaches
the science of completing with these, collectively called SDHD, discarding all mental patterns
that limit us from living to our highest potential.

Yoga is the ultimate merging the individual consciousness with the Cosmic Consciousness. It is
designed to experience Oneness, Advaita, and express all the mystical powers outlined by
Sadashiva. As long as we carry inadequate, immature cognitions about ourselves, about life,
others, God, world, we continue to feel separate from the whole. When we complete with all our
limited cognitions and discover our true Self, Yoga happens.

Seeking the source

The VedaAgamas are the Source books of Hinduism or Sanatana Hindu Dharma.
The revelation from the Veda-Agamas form the ​Shāstra Prama a, the scriptural authority on
truth, which came down directly from the mouth of Bhagavān Sadāshiva to His consort Devi
Adishakti.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda reveals, “Vedas are the ultimate, superior authority for the Hindus.
Vedas are like a pure science, where the ultimate truths are explained, but Agamas are the
scriptures where the applied technology, the applied science is expanded. all the Hindu bodies
accept Vedas and Agamas as Shruti [that which is heard] and everything else follows as Smritis
[the remembered scriptures]. Agamas are directly revealed by Sadashiva; they are more like a
practical manual of how to, what to, where to, when to. All these details are answered with the

25

right context, giving enough of understanding and I should say, in a more sympathetic,
compassionate way, with a lot of concern for human beings with tremendous user-friendliness.”

Pramāṇas: the Four Authorities and Evidences of
Truth

Shāstra Pramāṇas and Āpta Pramāṇas

Shāstra Pramāṇa is the scriptural evidence, the direct, ultimate authority on the Truth as it is,
for it is directly from Sadashiva, the Adiguru (original Guru), the Source of all that is. In
Sanatana Hindu Dharma, Veda-Agamas are the irrefutable Shāstra Pramāṇa. All knowledge
currents, philosias, rituals and lifestyle systems, and Yogic sciences for humanity are in-depth
systematically revealed in Veda-Agamas form the pramanas.

Āpta Pramaṇa are the the ancient great authentic, time-tested, fool-proof compilations of
experiences of Enlightened Sages called the Rishis, Siddhas, Munis, Incarnations (Avatars), the
direct disciples and followers and descendants of Bhagavan Sadashiva, like the Saptarishis,
Maharishis, including the Enlightened Ones such as Patanjali, Valmiki, Agastya Mahamuni,
Abhinavagupta, Kshemaraja, Paramahamsa Yogananda, etc. The compiled experiences verify
and expand further on the VedaAgamas, forming Āpta Pramana.

Atma Pramaṇa and Sākshi Pramaṇa

Ātma Pramaṇa are the direct experiences of the Living Avatar, Paramahamsa Nithyananda,
who is respected, revered as the living incarnations by millions of people worldwide. In the
space of Pure Oneness or ​Shuddhadvaita with Bhagavan Sadashiva, the Ātma Pramāṇas of
H.H. Paramahamsa form the words of His Gurus, His own experiences, and all that He has
learnt and directly experienced, and done thorough verification and authentication with the
Śāstra Pramāṇa, and then presented to the world.

Śaksi Pramāṇa is the evidence of the experiences and sharings of the people who directly
experience the Pramaṇas as a living, applied reality in their lives as the manifestation of His
Ātma Pramaṇas.

In these series, the pramānas are presented from different VedaAgamas from the various
systems or portions of the Agamas, such as the -

- Jnāna Pāda or Vidyā Pāda​ - the knowledge section from Agamas
- Kriya Pāda -​ the rituals sections from Agamas

26

- Yoga Pāda​ - the Yoga knowledge and science sections
- Carya Pāda​ - the enlightened lifestyle from Sadashiva

Only when all three are combined does the initiation safely culminate in Sākśī Pramā a - the
individual disciple’s experience of the highest state and power manifestations of Yoga .

Nithyananda Yoga​SM a​ s revealed by Paramahamsa Nithyananda combines all three pramanas,

precisely reviving the space from which Sadashiva created this science. After being subject to

years of dilution and pollution of this sacred science, the most profound intention and context of

Yoga is now being revived and transmitted as a tangible experience by Paramahamsa

Nithyananda, the Avatar of Sadashiva Himself .

“Nithyananda YogaSM is hence all about producing the experience of “Sadashivatva” - the
state of Sadashiva, His qualities, His glory, His grace and His POWERS in YOU!

- Pramahamsa Nithyananda

27

On Shashtanga Yoga

Through Yoga one attains liberation

Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (2.3)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE
भगवान-्
योगा स ध च मो च तद यासा छु भम ् खग |
षड ग सच बो ध य त या गाम ् सणृ ु व तत ् ||

TRANSLITERATION
Bhagavān-
Yogādsiddhiśca mokṣaśca tadabhyāsācchubham khaga |
ṣaḍaṅgassaca boddhavyastasyāṅgām sṛṇuṣva tat ||

TRANSLATION
Through the practice of yoga one can attain beneficient accomplishments. He can attain
liberation. He can ascend to the state of ineffable bliss.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

Shashtanga Yoga - the six limbs of yoga by Sadashiva

Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (2.3)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE
भगवान-्

याहार तथा यानं ाणायामो थ धारणम ् |
आसन च समा ध च योगा गा न षडवे तु ||

TRANSLITERATION
pratyāhārastathā dhyānaṁ prāṇāyāmostha dhāraṇam |
āsanañca samādhiśca yogāṅgāni ṣaḍeva tu ||

TRANSLATION

28

It is to be known that there are six limbs of yoga. Now listen to those various subservient parts
of yogic practice: pratyāhāra, dhyāna, prāṇāyāma, dhāraṇa, āsana, and samādhi are the six
constituents of the yoga system.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

Definition of Sadashiva’s Shashtanga Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Mandala-brahmanopanishad (Section I, verses 5-8)

Original Verse

सखु ासनवृ ि चरवास चऐ् वमासन नयमो भव त ॥ ५ ॥
परू ककु भकरेचक्ऐः षोडशचतु षि ट वा शं सं यया
यथा मं ाणायामः ॥ ६ ॥
वषये य इि याथ यो मनो नरोधनं याहारः ॥ ७ ॥
वषय यावतनपवू कं चऐ् त ये चेतः थापनं धारणं भव त ॥ ८ ॥
सवशर रेषु चऐ् त यऐ् कतानता यानम ् ॥ ९ ॥

यान व मृ तः समा धः ॥ १० ॥

Transliteration

sukhāsanavṛttiściravāsaścaivamāsananiyamo bhavati || 5 ||
pūrakakumbhakarecakaiḥ ṣoḍaśacatuṣṣaṣṭidvātriṃśatsaṃkhyayā
yathākramaṃ prāṇāyāmaḥ || 6 ||
viṣayebhya indriyārthebhyo manonirodhanaṃ pratyāhāraḥ || 7 ||
viṣayavyāvartanapūrvakaṃ caitanye cetaḥsthāpanaṃ dhāraṇaṃ bhavati || 8 ||
sarvaśarīreṣu caitanyaikatānatā dhyānam || 9 ||
dhyānavismṛtiḥ samādhiḥ || 10 ||

Translation

Wherein one can transport his mind (to the supreme Atman) comfortably, wherein one can
abide for a long time (without discomfort), that is the right posture to bo assumed [Asana]; what
is constituted by Puraka (inspiration), Kumbhaka (stabilization of breath) and Recaka
(expiration), of sixteen, sixty-four and thirty-two matra-lengths in duration respectively, is
Pranayama. The withholding of the mind from the objects wherein the senses indulge in
functioning, is Pratyahara. Firmly implanting the Citta (mind) by inhibiting it from the objects of
desire encompassing it, finally in the Supreme Consciousness is Dharana. Contemplating on
the Supreme Consciousness abiding in all, (even as the Ether concentrated in the pots and
pans, which becomes one with the expanse of Ether, when the pots and pans are broken) is

29

Dhyana. The state of absorption brought on by one's being lost in Dhyana is (Nirvikalpa)
Samadhi.

Credits:
The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

Key words: Shashtanga Yoga, Sadashiva’s Yoga

The Six-fold Stages of Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Cudamany-Upanishad (1-2)

Original Verse

योगचडू ाम णं व ये यो गनां हतका यया ।
क्ऐव य स धदं गढू ं से वतं योग व मऐ् ः ॥ १ ॥
आसनं ाणसरं ोधः याहार च धारणा ।

यानं समा धरेता न योगा गा न भवि त ष ॥ २ ॥

Transliteration

yogacūḍāmaṇiṃ vakṣye yogināṃ hitakāmyayā |
kaivalyasiddhidaṃ gūḍhaṃ sevitaṃ yogavittamaiḥ || 1 ||
āsanaṃ prāṇasaṃrodhaḥ pratyāhāraśca dhāraṇā |
dhyānaṃ samādhiretāni yogāṅgāni bhavanti ṣaṭ || 2 ||

Translation

I shall presently relate about the Yoga-cuda-mani, which bestows success in the
accomplishment of Kaivalya (alone-ness), which is a profound secret and which is resorted to
by the most advanced knowers of Yoga, with the avowed object of promoting the welfare of
the Yogin-s. Posture, complete control of breath, withdrawal of breath, the holding of breath,
meditation and absorption (through concentration), these six form the stages of Yoga.

Credits:
The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

Achievements through Shashtanga Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a The Yoga-Cudamany-Upanishad (109-113)

30

Original Verse

आसनेन जं हि त ाणायामेन पातकम ् ।
वकारं मानसं योगी याहारेण मु च त ॥ १०९ ॥
धारणा भमनोधऐ् य या त चऐ् त यम भतु म ् ।
समाधऔ् मो मा नो त य वा कम शभु ाशभु म ् ॥ ११० ॥
ाणायाम वष के न याहारः क ततः ।

याहार वष के न जायते धारणा शभु ा ॥ १११ ॥
धारणा वादश ो तं यानं योग वशार ऐः ।

यान वादशके नऐ् व समा धर भधीयते ॥ ११२ ॥
समाधऔ् परमं यो तरन तं व वतोमखु म ् ।
ति मन ् टे याकम यातायातो न व यते ॥ ११३ ॥

Transliteration

āsanena rujaṃ hanti prāṇāyāmena pātakam |
vikāraṃ mānasaṃ yogī pratyāhāreṇa muñcati || 109 ||
dhāraṇābhirmanodhairyaṃ yāti caitanyamadbhutam |
samādhau mokṣamāpnoti tyaktvā karma śubhāśubham || 110 ||
prāṇāyāmadviṣaṭkena pratyāhāraḥ prakīrtitaḥ |
pratyāhāradviṣaṭkena jāyate dhāraṇā śubhā || 111 ||
dhāraṇā dvādaśa proktaṃ dhyānaṃ yogaviśāradaiḥ |
dhyānadvādaśakenaiva samādhirabhidhīyate || 112 ||
samādhau paramaṃ jyotiranantaṃ viśvatomukham |
tasmin dṛṣṭe kriyākarma yātāyāto na vidyate || 113 ||

Translation

The Yogin kills disease by means of posture, sin by Pranayama, and gives up mental
transformations by withdrawing the mind (Pratyahara). By Dharana (firmly fixing the mind) he
attains mental fortitude and in Samadhi (absorption) acquires marvellous consciousness and
with the renunciation of observances, auspicious and inauspicious, attains liberation. With
twice SIX Pranayama-s there is said to be Pratyahara. With twice SIX Pratyahara-s is generated
auspicious Dharana. Twelve Dharanas are said to constitute Dhyana by those well-versed in
Yoga. Made up of twelve Dhyana-s alone is what is known as Samadhi. In Samadhi there is
exquisite radiance, endless and pervading on all sides. When that is seen (the Yogin
discharges all his duties and as such) there is no further worry relating to the performance of
observances for him.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

31

On the 4 paths of Yoga

The 4 paths of Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Tattvopanishad​ (Verse 19)

Original Verse

योगो ह बहुधा मन ् भ यते यवहारतः ।
म योगो लय चऐ् व हठोऽसऔ् राजयोगकः ॥ १९ ॥

Transliteration

yogo hi bahudhā brahman bhidyate vyavahārataḥ |
mantrayogo layaścaiva haṭho'sau rājayogakaḥ || 19 ||

Translation

Yoga, although one, is according to practice and usage, O Brahman ! differentiated as of
various kinds : (the chief of them are :) Mantra-yoga, Laya- what (is known as) Hatha- and
Raja-yoga.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

What is Mantra Yoga?

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Tattvopanishad​ (Verse 21-22)

Original Verse

एतषे ां ल णं मन ् व ये शणृ ु समासतः ।
मातकृ ा दयतु ं म ं वादशा दं तु यो जपेत ् ॥ २१ ॥

मेण लभते ानम णमा दगणु ाि वतम ् ।
अ पबु ध रमं योगं सेवते साधकाधमः ॥ २२ ॥

Transliteration

eteṣāṃ lakṣaṇaṃ brahman vakṣye śṛṇu samāsataḥ |
mātṛkādiyutaṃ mantraṃ dvādaśābdaṃ tu yo japet || 21 ||
krameṇa labhate jñānamaṇimādiguṇānvitam |

32

alpabuddhirimaṃ yogaṃ sevate sādhakādhamaḥ || 22 ||

Translation

Description of Mantra-voga I shall presently relate the description, in an abbreviated form, of
these, O Brahman ! Listen to them. He who mutters the Mantra-s made up of the Matrkas
(letters of the Alphabet) for twelve years, shall attain gradually knowledge, along with the special
powers of attenuation and the like. The practitioner of an inferior type endowed with a dull wit,
will have recourse to Yoga of this variety.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

What is Laya Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Tattvopanishad​ (Verse 23-24)

Original Verse

लययोगि च लयः को टशः प रक ततः ।
ग छं ि त ठन ् वपन ् भु जन ् यायेि न कलमी वरम ् ॥ २३ ॥
स एव लययोगः या घठयोगमतः शणृ ु ।
लययोग कारमाह- लये त । त ायं सारतरो ग छि न त ॥ २४ ॥

Transliteration

layayogaścittalayaḥ koṭiśaḥ parikīrtitaḥ |
gacchaṃstiṣṭhan svapan bhuñjan dhyāyenniṣkalamīśvaram || 23 ||
sa eva layayogaḥ syādghaṭhayogamataḥ śṛṇu |
layayogaprakāramāha- layeti | tatrāyaṃ sārataro gacchanniti || 24 ||

Translation

Laya-yoga is the dissolution of the mind described in myriads of ways while walking, standing,
sleeping and eating, (the practitioner) should meditate on the digit-less Is'vara. That alone is
the Laya-yoga. Henceforward listen to Hatha-yoga.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

The Meaning of “HATHA Yoga”

Śāstra Pramā a Yoga-Sikhopanishad (132-133)

33

Original Verse

ती तम योगा च जायते पि चमे प थ ॥ १३२ ॥
हकारेण तु सयू ः यात ् सकारेणे दु यते ।
सयू ाच मसोऐ यं हठ इ य भधीयते ॥ १३३ ॥

Transliteration

pratītimantrayogācca jāyate paścime pathi || 132 ||
hakāreṇa tu sūryaḥ syāt sakāreṇendurucyate |
sūryācandramasoraikyaṃ haṭha ityabhidhīyate || 133 ||

Translation

Out of the conjunction of faith and formula, there
takes place in the hind path (the union of the Moon
and the Sun). By. " Ha " is meant the Sun and by
"Sa", the Moon. The union of the Suft and the
Moon is known as Hatha.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

4 paths of Yoga revealed by Sadashiva

Śāstra Pramā a Yoga-Sikhopanishad (129-130)

Original Verse

म ो लयो हठो राजयोगा ता भू मकाः मात ् ॥ १२९ ॥
एक एव चतधु ायं महायोगोऽ भधीयते ।
पनु ते महायोगं कथया म याह- म इ त ॥ १२९ ॥

Transliteration

mantro layo haṭho rājayogāntā bhūmikāḥ kramāt || 129 ||
eka eva caturdhāyaṃ mahāyogo'bhidhīyate |
punaste mahāyogaṃ kathayāmityāha- mantra iti || 129 ||

Translation

Mantra-, Laya-, Hatha- and Raja- yoga at the

34

end, are the steps in order. This Maha-yoga is only
one, but is called by four different names.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

On the 4 paths of Yoga: The meaning of Laya Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a Yoga-Sikhopanishad (134-136)

Original Verse

हठे न गृ यते जा यं सवदोषसमु भवम ् ।
े ः परमा मा च तयोऐ यं यदा भवेत ् ॥ १३४ ॥

त ऐ ये सा धते मिं च ं या त वल नताम ् ।
पवनः थऐ् यमाया त लययोगोदये स त ॥ १३५ ॥
लयात ् सं ा यते सऔ् यं वा मान दं परं पदम ् ।

Transliteration

haṭhena gṛhyate jāḍyaṃ sarvadoṣasamudbhavam |
kṣetrajñaḥ paramātmā ca tayoraikyaṃ yadā bhavet || 134 ||
tadaikye sādhite brahmaṃścittaṃ yāti vilīnatām |
pavanaḥ sthairyamāyāti layayogodaye sati || 135 ||
layāt saṃprāpyate saukhyaṃ svātmānandaṃ paraṃ padam |

Translation

By Hatha (-yoga) is removed the dullness resulting
from all ailments (irregularities). The conscious principle
in the corporeal body and the transcendent Atman,
when there is union between the two, when their union
is brought about, O Brahman ! the mind gets dissolved
and the vital air attains firmness, when Laya-yoga
takes its rise. From dissolution is attained comfort,
the Bliss of one's own Atman, the exquisite state.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

35

On the 4 paths of Yoga: The meaning of Raja Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a Yoga-Sikhopanishad (136-138)

Original Verse

यो नम ये महा े े जपाब धकू सं नभम ् ॥ १३६ ॥
रजो वस त ज तनू ां देवीत वं समावतृ म ् ।
रजसो रेतसो योगा ाजयोग इ त मतृ ः ॥ १३७ ॥
अ णमा दपदं ा य राजते राजयोगतः ।

Transliteration

yonimadhye mahākṣetre japābandhūkasaṃnibham || 136 ||
rajo vasati jantūnāṃ devītattvaṃ samāvṛtam |
rajaso retaso yogādrājayoga iti smṛtaḥ || 137 ||
aṇimādipadaṃ prāpya rājate rājayogataḥ |

Translation

There abides in the great spot in the middle of the
genitals of all creatures. Rajas (menstrual fluid) resembling
the Japa and Bandhuka flowers in colour, well
protected and (representing) the Devi (feminine) principle.
By the conjunction of the Rajas with the Retas
(of the male organ), (i.e., of S'akti with S'iva) there is
what is known as Raja-yoga. From Raja-yoga (the
Yogin) shines out after attaining the psychic powers of
attenuation and the like.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

Clear instructions on preparing the space for yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Tattvopanishad​ (Verse 32-35)

Original Verse

ाणायामं ततः कु यात ् प मासनगतः वयम ् ।
सशु ोभनं मठं कु यात ् सू म वारं तु न णम ् ॥ ३२ ॥

36

सु ठु ल तं गोमयेन सधु या वा य नतः ।
म कु णऐ् मशक्ऐलकू ्ऐविजतं च य नतः ॥ ३३ ॥
दने दने च समं ृ टं समं ाज या वशषे तः ।
वा सतं च सगु धेन धू पतं गु गलु ा द भः ॥ ३४ ॥
ना यु तं ना तनीचं चेलािजनकु शो रम ् ।
त ोप व य मेधावी प मासनसमि वतः ॥ ३५ ॥

Transliteration

prāṇāyāmaṃ tataḥ kuryāt padmāsanagataḥ svayam |
suśobhanaṃ maṭhaṃ kuryāt sūkṣmadvāraṃ tu nirvraṇam || 32 ||
suṣṭhu liptaṃ gomayena sudhayā vā prayatnataḥ |
matkuṇairmaśakairlūkairvarjitaṃ ca prayatnataḥ || 33 ||
dine dine ca saṃmṛṣṭaṃ saṃmārjanyā viśeṣataḥ |
vāsitaṃ ca sugandhena dhūpitaṃ guggulādibhiḥ || 34 ||
nātyuchritaṃ nātinīcaṃ celājinakuśottaram |
tatropaviśya medhāvī padmāsanasamanvitaḥ || 35 ||

Translation

Himself assumed the Padmasana posture, alter resorting to a monasterv (Matha) with a small
entrance and devoid of apertures, either well cleansed with coconut water or lime-washed with
due effort, rendered free from bugs, mosquitoes and lice with precaution, specially swept
everyday with a broom, emitting sweet smell and perfumed with the smoke of frankincense,
neither too elevated nor too low-lying and covered with cloth, deerskin or grass, seated there,
assuming the posture of Padmasana (should the wise practitioner commence the practice ot
breath-control).

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

Prescribed Diet during Yogic practice

Śāstra Pramā a: Sandilyopanishad (Chapter VII, verse 5)

Original Verse
अ यासकाले थमं श तं ीरा यभोजनम ् ।
ततोऽ यासे ि थर भतू े न तावि नयम हः ॥ ५ ॥

Transliteration
abhyāsakāle prathamaṃ śastaṃ kṣīrājyabhojanam |
tato'bhyāse sthirībhūte na tāvanniyamagrahaḥ || 5 ||

37

Translation
During the period of practice, subsisting on food
consisting of milk and ghee, is worthy of being adopted
as the most conducive. Then when the practice gets
confirmed, observance of any such nature is not
essential.

Reference:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

The Stages of Hatha-yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Tattvopanishad​ (Verse 24-27)

Original Verse

यम च नयम चऐ् व यासनं ाणसयं मः ॥ २४ ॥
याहारो धारणा च यानं मू यमे ह रम ् ।

समा धः समताव था सा टा गो योग उ यते ॥ २५ ॥
महामु ा महाब धो महावेध च खेचर ।
जालधं रो डयाण च मलू ब ध तथऐ् व च ॥ २६ ॥
प.् २६९) द घ णवसधं ानं स धा त वणं तथा ।
व ोल चामरोल च सहजोल धा मता ॥ २७ ॥

Transliteration

yamaśca niyamaścaiva hyāsanaṃ prāṇasaṃyamaḥ || 24 ||
pratyāhāro dhāraṇā ca dhyānaṃ bhrūmadhyame harim |
samādhiḥ samatāvasthā sāṣṭāṅgo yoga ucyate || 25 ||
mahāmudrā mahābandho mahāvedhaśca khecarī |
jālaṃdharoḍḍiyāṇaśca mūlabandhastathaiva ca || 26 ||
p. 269) dīrghapraṇavasaṃdhānaṃ siddhāntaśravaṇaṃ tathā |
vajrolī cāmarolī ca sahajolī tridhā matā || 27 ||

Translation

Yama, Niyama, Asana, Prana-samyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana of Hari in the middle of
the eyebrows, and Samadhi, (the equipoised condition). (Thus) is Yoga said to be of eight
stages. Mahamudra, Maha-bandha, Maha-vedha, and Khe-cari; Jalamdhara, Uddiyana and
similarly Mula-bandha, Dirgha-pranava-samdhana, also Siddhanta-sravana , Vajroli, Amaroli
and Sahajoli, considered as three aspects, these constitute the twelve subdivisions of
Hatha-yoga.

38

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, THE ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

The 4 stages of Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a: Varahopanishad (Chapter V, verses 71-75)

Original Verse
आर भ च घट चऐ् व तथा प रचय तथा ॥ ७१ ॥
न प चे त क थता चत त य भू मकाः ।
करण यसभं तू ं बा यं कम प र यजन ् ॥ ७२ ॥
अ तरं कम कु ते य ार भः स उ यते ।
वायःु पि चमतो वेधं कु व नापयू सिु थरम ् ॥ ७३ ॥
य त ठ त सा ो ता घटा या भू मका बधु ऐ् ः ।
न सजीवो न नज वः काये त ठ त न चलम ् ।
य वायःु ि थरः खे यात ् सेयं चयभू मका ॥ ७४ ॥
य ा मानं सिृ टलयऔ् जीव मिु तदशां गतः ।
सहजः कु ते योगं सेयं न प भू मका ॥ ७५ ॥

Transliteration
ārambhaśca ghaṭaścaiva tathā paricayastathā || 71 ||
niṣpattiśceti kathitā ścatasrastasya bhūmikāḥ |
karaṇatrayasaṃbhūtaṃ bāhyaṃ karma parityajan || 72 ||
antaraṃ karma kurute yatrārambhaḥ sa ucyate |
vāyuḥ paścimato vedhaṃ kurvannāpūrya susthiram || 73 ||
yatra tiṣṭhati sā proktā ghaṭākhyā bhūmikā budhaiḥ |
na sajīvo na nirjīvaḥ kāye tiṣṭhati niścalam |
yatra vāyuḥ sthiraḥ khe syāt seyaṃ pracayabhūmikā || 74 ||
yatrātmānaṃ sṛṣṭilayau jīvanmuktidaśāṃ gataḥ |
sahajaḥ kurute yogaṃ seyaṃ niṣpattibhūmikā || 75 ||

Translation
The stages (of Yoga) are said to be four-fold :
Arambha, Ghata, Pancaya and Nispatti.

Giving up
all external functioning brought about by the three
Karana-s (mind, speech and body), wherein (the novice)
begins to function internally, that is known as Arambha.
That is known by wise men as the Ghata stage.

Wherein the vital air, after filling the body, through the

39

nether (Susumna path) and piercing through (the three
Granthi-s), firmly takes its stand. That is known as
the Paricaya stage.

Wherein the vital air, which (being
endowed with vitality) is alive and (owing to the
absence of functioning) is dead, stands motionless and
firm in the ether (of the Sahasrata) of the body. That
is known as the stage of Nispatti.

wherein (the Yogin),
(after performing) the functions of creation and dissolution
(of the phenomena of waking, dreaming and
sleeping), through the (Is'vara) Xtman, reaches the state
of Jivan-mukti in the natural course and performs
the (Asarnprajaata)-yoga (appropriate to such state,
i.e., reaches the state of ecstasy of the unconscious
variety.)

Reference:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

Liberation is attained by Yoga

Śāstra Pramā a Yoga-Sikhopanishad (138-140)

Original Verse

ाणापानसमायोगो ये ं योगचतु टयम ् ॥ १३८ ॥
सं पे ात ् क थतं मन ् ना यथा शवभा षतम ् ।

मेण ा यते ा यम यासादेव ना यथा ॥ १३९ ॥
एके नऐ् व शर रेण योगा यासा छनऐ् ः शनऐ् ः ।
चरात ् सं ा यते मिु तमकट म एव सः ॥ १४० ॥

Transliteration

prāṇāpānasamāyogo jñeyaṃ yogacatuṣṭayam || 138 ||
saṃkṣepāt kathitaṃ brahman nānyathā śivabhāṣitam |
krameṇa prāpyate prāpyamabhyāsādeva nānyathā || 139 ||
ekenaiva śarīreṇa yogābhyāsācchanaiḥ śanaiḥ |
cirāt saṃprāpyate muktirmarkaṭakrama eva saḥ || 140 ||

40

Translation

The mingling together of Prana and Apana should
be known as (the common featuce of) the four-fold
Yoga. (This is) what is related in brief O Brahman
The word of S'iva is not otherwise. Whatever is
attainable will be attained only by gradual practice
and not otherwise. By practising Yoga even with a
single body little by little, liberation is attained at
long last. The method of the monkey is that alone.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

On the preparation for practice

~YOGA PRACTICE~

Preparing for Yoga: the place and the context of practice

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Sikhopanishad (90)

Original Verse

एका कना समपु ग य व व तदेशं
ाणा द पममतृ ं परमाथत वम ् ।

ल वा शना धृ तमता प रभा वत यं
ससं ाररोगहरमऔ् षधम वतीयम ् ॥ ९० ॥

Transliteration

ekākinā samupagamya viviktadeśaṃ
prāṇādirūpamamṛtaṃ paramārthatattvam |
ladhvāśinā dhṛtimatā paribhāvitavyaṃ
saṃsārarogaharamauṣadhamadvitīyam || 90 ||

Translation

All alone, should a secluded spot be reached (by the practitioner) temperate in food and of

41

a resolute frame of mind and the form of the Prana and the like and the imperishable truth of
the highest import should be meditated upon. (This is verily) the peerless medicine which
would eflfectively cure the disease of worldiy-mindedness.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

SRI’MAT SARVAJN”A’NOTTRA A’GAMA

Treatise on Yoga

eka’kinastu s’a’ntasya yatacitta vira’gin.ahŸ|

yukta’ha’ra viha’rasya yukta ces”t’asya karmasu|

yukta svapna’va bodhasya tattvatah s’r’n.u s”an.mukha ||1||

O, S”an.mukha!, I will explain the disciplines of yoga as applicable to the one who

is alone keeping himself dissociated from the company of worldly-minded persons,

who is with settled mind , who is with deep sense of detachment by keeping his mind

under control, who takes moderate food, who limits himself in his routine worldly

activities and who sleeps moderately and keeps himself awake sufficiently. Listen

to my instructions on yoga.

The term eka’kinah denotes an ascetic who has his mind completely detached from the
worldly activities. S’a’ntah means one who is not harmful , who is with composed and
calm mind. Vira’gin.ah denotes a person who has controlled his mind and senses , on
whom Siva`s Grace has descended and as a result who is deeply intent in the
attainment

0f s’ivatva. Yatacitta means the mind which remains effortlessly settled through breath
control and withdrawal of senses.

State of Mind for the continuous practice of Yoga

ma’na’ma’nau samau kr’tva’ sukha duhkhe same tatha’

42

hars”am bhayam vis”a’dam ca samtyajya yogamabhyaset&

Keeping the mind balanced well when honored or abused, and in the same way when
delighted or distressed and having completely freed himself from being subject to
excessive delight, fearfulness and despondency, the sa’dhaka should repeatedly
practice the disciplines of yoga.

Actions/routine before the practice of yoga

sna’tva’ s’uciruspr’s’ya pran.amya s’irasa’ s’ivam&& 7

yoga’ca’ryam namaskr’tya yogam yun”jita ma’navah&

Having taken the usual ceremonial bath, maintaining purity in body and mind,

having performed the succeeding rites such as getting besmeared with vibhu’ti

and sprinkled with consecrated water, having prostrated before Siva and his

A’ca’rya(Guru) who has initiated him into the discipline of yoga, the sa’dhaka

should attentively involve himself in the disciplines of yoga.

What happens when a Yogi dies before liberation?

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Sikhopanishad (141-143)

Original Verse

योग स धं वना देहः मादा य द न य त ।
पवू वासनया यु तः शर रं चा यदा नयु ात ् ॥ १४१ ॥
ततः पु यवशात ् स धो गु णा सह सगं तः ।
पि चम वारमागण जायते व रतं फलम ् ॥ १४२ ॥
पवू ज मकृ ता यासात ् स वरं फलम नतु े ।

Transliteration

yogasiddhiṃ vinā dehaḥ pramādādyadi naśyati |
pūrvavāsanayā yuktaḥ śarīraṃ cānyadāpnuyāt || 141 ||
tataḥ puṇyavaśāt siddho guruṇā saha saṃgataḥ |
paścimadvāramārgeṇa jāyate tvaritaṃ phalam || 142 ||

43

pūrvajanmakṛtābhyāsāt satvaraṃ phalamaśnute |

Translation

Should the body (of the practitioner) perish out of
negligence, even before the attainment of (the fruit of)
Yoga, endowed with the impressions left by his experiences
during the previous birth, he will attain another
body. Then due to the iniluence of religious merit
(accumulated during previous births) and by contact
with his Guru, he will achieve success. The fruit will
be quickly produced by having recourse to the hind
door (the Susumna path) and from the practice made
during the previous birth (the practitioner) will reap
the fruit at once.

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

~YOGA PRACTICE~

Only through practice liberation is attained

Śāstra Pramā a: Yoga-Sikhopanishad (143-144)

Original Verse

एतदेव ह व ेयं तत ् काकमतमु यते ॥ १४३ ॥
नाि त काकमताद यद यासा यमतः परम ् ।
तने ऐ् व ा यते मिु तना यथा शवभा षतम ् ॥ १४४ ॥

Transliteration

etadeva hi vijñeyaṃ tat kākamatamucyate || 143 ||
nāsti kākamatādanyadabhyāsākhyamataḥ param |
tenaiva prāpyate muktirnānyathā śivabhāṣitam || 144 ||

Translation

This much should verily be known, what is known
as the Kaka-mata, (the doctrine that Mahes'vara has
complete control over Maya). There is no other practiuoe
that may be known as Abhyasa-yoga (practice preliminary
to Yoga) beyond the Kaka-mata. Only through

44

that, liberation is attained (even by the ignorant man
and the man of spurious knowledge, as there is scope
for the attainment of the knowledge of the non-differentiated
Brahman through eradicating the impurities
of their minds by having recourse to it) and
not otherwise. (This is the word of S'iva.)

Credits:​ The Yoga Upanishads, Translated into English by T.R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, THE
ADYAR LIBRARY, 1938

SRI’MAT SARVAJN”A’NOTTRA A’GAMA
Treatise on Yoga

eka’kinastu s’a’ntasya yatacitta vira’gin.ahŸ|
yukta’ha’ra viha’rasya yukta ces”t’asya karmasu|
yukta svapna’va bodhasya tattvatah s’r’n.u s”an.mukha ||1||
O, S”an.mukha!, I will explain the disciplines of yoga as applicable to the one who
is alone keeping himself dissociated from the company of worldly-minded persons,
who is with settled mind , who is with deep sense of detachment by keeping his mind
under control, who takes moderate food, who limits himself in his routine worldly
activities and who sleeps moderately and keeps himself awake sufficiently. Listen
to my instructions on yoga.
The term eka’kinah denotes an ascetic who has his mind completely detached from the
worldly activities. S’a’ntah means one who is not harmful , who is with composed and
calm mind. Vira’gin.ah denotes a person who has controlled his mind and senses , on
whom Siva`s Grace has descended and as a result who is deeply intent in the
attainment
0f s’ivatva. Yatacitta means the mind which remains effortlessly settled through breath
control and withdrawal of senses.

45

State of Mind for the continuous practice of Yoga

ma’na’ma’nau samau kr’tva’ sukha duhkhe same tatha’

hars”am bhayam vis”a’dam ca samtyajya yogamabhyaset&

Keeping the mind balanced well when honored or abused, and in the same way when
delighted or distressed and having completely freed himself from being subject to
excessive delight, fearfulness and despondency, the sa’dhaka should repeatedly
practice the disciplines of yoga.

Actions/routine before the practice of yoga

sna’tva’ s’uciruspr’s’ya pran.amya s’irasa’ s’ivam&& 7
yoga’ca’ryam namaskr’tya yogam yun”jita ma’navah&
Having taken the usual ceremonial bath, maintaining purity in body and mind,
having performed the succeeding rites such as getting besmeared with vibhu’ti
and sprinkled with consecrated water, having prostrated before Siva and his
A’ca’rya(Guru) who has initiated him into the discipline of yoga, the sa’dhaka
should attentively involve himself in the disciplines of yoga.

On Asanas

~YOGA PRACTICE: 8 asanas described by Sadashiva

.
SADASHIVA presents 8 different posutres that may be assumed by the yogi.
~
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in K​ irana Agama - Yoga Pada (4,5)

46

~
ORIGINAL VERSE
गहृ े वा’ प श थाने योगी योगं समानभेत ् |
ब वा’सनं यथा’भी टं सवि तकं प ममेव व || ४ ||
अधच च वीरा यं योगप ट सा रतम ् |
पय कं च यथासं थं - आसना टकमु यते || ५

TRANSLITERATION
gṛhe vā’pi śivsthāne yogī yogaṃ samānabhet |
badhvā’sanaṁ yathā’bhīṣṭaṁ savastikaṁ padmameva va || 4 ||
ardhacandrañca vīrākhyaṁ yogapaṭṭaprasāritam |
paryaṅkaṁ ca yathāsaṁsthaṁ - āsanāṣṭakamucyate || 5 ||

TRANSLATION
Either in his house spite for the ourpose or in a temple or in such other auspicious places, an
aspirant should begin his yogic practice after assuming the desired posture (convenient to his
physical and mental condition). Eight postures are enumerated and explained in the scriptures.
They are: svastika, parma, ardhacandra, vira, yogapatta, prasarita, paryanka and
yathasamstha. 4,5
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

~YOGA PRACTICE: Svastikasana

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (6)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE

वगणु ं पृ ठतो नी वा वामपाद तु द नम ् |
तय तं वगणु ं कृ वा ज घाल न च वि तकम ् ||६||

TRANSLITERATION
dviguṇaṁ pṛṣṭhato nītvā vāmapādantu dakṣinam |
tiryakstaṁ dviguṇaṁ kṛtvā jaṅghālagnañca svastikam ||6||

TRANSLATION

47

Stretching the legs (i.e. shanks) under the hinder part and placing the right leg on the left and
keeping and keeping the legs obliquely between the knees, one should place himself in
convenient posture. The posture assumed in this manner is known as svastika.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

~YOGA POSTURES: PADMASANA explained by Sadashiva

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (7)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE

यसेत-् वगनु म यो यं पादमेकं तथेतरम ् |
प ममेवं समा यातं - अधच मथ सणृ ु ||७||
.
TRANSLITERATION
nyaset-dvigunamanyonyaṁ pādamekaṁ tathetaram |
padmamevaṁ samākhyātaṁ - ardhacandramatha sṛṇu ||7||
.
TRANSLATION
Joining the two legs obliquely with each other and placing them on the thighs so as the sole of
each foot faces upwards, the posture known as padmasana can be assumed. Then listen to the
procedure of archacandrasana.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

~YOGA POSTURES: ARDHACANDRASANA explained by
Sadashiva

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (8)
~

48

ORIGINAL VERSE
त वत-् पाद वयं कृ वा वरलोलाऽ य सिं थतम|्
अधच ं भवेदेवं वीरासनमथ सणृ ु ||८||
.
TRANSLITERATION
tadvat-pādadvayaṁ kṛtvā svaralolā'nya saṁsthitam|
ardhacandraṁ bhavedevaṁ vīrāsanamatha sṛṇu ||8||
.
TRANSLATION
Placing the les as before (i.e. as done in padmasana), and keeping one on the other mutually,
ardhacandrasana can be assumed. Then listen to the procedure of virasana.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

~YOGA POSTURES: VIRASANA explained by Sadashiva

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in K​ irana Agama - Yoga Pada (9)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE

वगणु ं प ततं पादम ् वामम ् द णतोि थतम ् |
कृ वाऽ यो यतल ठं तु वीरप टमथो यते || ९ ||
.
TRANSLITERATION
dviguṇaṁ patitaṁ pādam vāmam dakṣiṇatotthitam |
kṛtvā'nyonyatalasṭhaṁ tu vīrapaṭṭamathocyate || 9 ||
.
TRANSLATION
Placing the left leg on the right thigh and keeping the right leg on a pedestal or on the floor and
keeping the palms on one another. Virasana can be assumed. Then I explain about
yogapattasana.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

49

~YOGA POSTURES: YOGAPATTASANA explained by

Sadashiva

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (10)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE
कृ वाऽदौ वगणु ं पादौ तयगू वमधः खग |

यसे पा णं यथाप टं तति ल टा गलु यकौ || १० ||
.
TRANSLITERATION
kṛtvā'dau dviguṇaṁ pādau tiryagūrdhvamadhaḥ khaga |
nyasetpāṇiṁ yathāpaṭṭaṁ tataśśliṣṭāṅgulīyakau || 10 ||
.
TRANSLATION
Keeping the right leg obliquely and placing the left one on the thigh (near knee-joint) and placing
the two hands so as to be propped by the knee-joints keeping the fingers stretched out and
tying around the yogapatta, yogapattasana can be assumed.
~
Credit: Kirana Agama, Translated into English by Dr. Sabharathnam S. Pattusamy, The
Himalayan Academy, 2006

~YOGA POSTURES: PRASARITA explained by Sadashiva

.
Śāstra Pramā a, scriptural authority:
Sadashiva reveals in ​Kirana Agama - Yoga Pada (11)
~
ORIGINAL VERSE
पाद वयं साया म-समु खु ं सु सा रतम ् | (११)
.
TRANSLITERATION
pādadvayaṁ prasāryātma-sumukhaṁ suprasāritam | (11)
.
TRANSLATION

50