Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
This course introduces yoga as presented in the Haṭhapradīpikā – an influential 15th century text. Haṭhapradīpikā is one of the most popular and influential works on yoga. It presents a range of practices derived from previous traditions, providing students with a traditional and well-rounded level of knowledge of ancient yogic practice.
In this course, we will examine both the philosophical and practical aspects of yoga as described in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We will learn key concepts such as āsana, prāṇāyāma, and samādhi, and will gain a broad overview of the traditions and texts behind the Haṭhapradīpikā.
Our Hatha Yoga Pradipika course will explore the significance of some of the most important and influential aspects of yoga. This course will also dive into the philosophical and theoretical foundations of Hatha Yoga practices, as well as learning about teachers throughout history and the progression of traditional methods and beliefs, and how they have influenced modern yoga practice.
If you are keen to learn more about this yoga tradition, enroll in our specialist course today or view our detailed course breakdown below. Alternatively, take a look at our Yoga Studies Pathway to discover more courses.
We start with a look at the historical context for the Haṭhapradīpikā. We learn what the text says about Hatha Yoga Pradipika and yogis.
Key concepts: Śaivism, Śāktism, Vaiṣṇavism, Early and classical haṭhayoga. (Siddhas and Munis)
In this session we examine the foundations of haṭhayoga in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We establish the influence of the early gurus of the Nāth Sampradāya. We then look at the tantric background for the Haṭhapradīpikā and the Nāth Sampradāya. We answer the questions: What is yoga? Who were the practitioners of haṭhayoga?
Key concepts: Nāth Sampradāya and the Siddhas, layayoga, mantrayoga, haṭhayoga, rājayoga, Right and left hand tantra.
In the first chapter Svātmārāma describes the general rules and lifestyle of a yogi along with various āsanas and their benefits.
Key concepts: Āsana, yama, niyama.
In this chapter Svātmārāma focuses on prāṇāyāma and the effects of correct practice of prāṇāyāma.
Key concepts: prāṇa, kumbhaka, yogic physiology, karmans, bandhas.
The third chapter investigates the yogic physiology on a deeper level and is highly focused on esoteric techniques for awakening the kuṇḍalinī.
Key concepts: Kuṇḍalinī, cakra, mudrā, nādayoga, bindu, rasa
This session will focus on the mental aspects of yoga, and the goal of yoga as presented in the Haṭhapradīpikā.
Key concepts: samādhi, dhyāna, mokṣa, rājayoga, layayoga.
We conclude with a broad description of yoga practice is in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We also see how this relates to modern yoga – both living traditional haṭhayoga and “modern” haṭhayoga.
Course Tutor
Daniel Simpson brings yoga history and philosophy to life. He’s the author of two books on these subjects – The Truth of Yoga (2021) and The Evolution of Modern Yoga (forthcoming) – as well as hosting the Ancient Futures podcast. Daniel has an M.A. in yoga studies from SOAS (University of London), where he subsequently taught. In a previous career, he was a foreign correspondent, which helps him to demystify complex topics and make them accessible. His website is: http://www.danielsimpson.info