Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Translation with Notes from Krishnamacharya

Lord knows there is no dearth of translations of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Along with the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and the I Ching, the available versions of the HYP are legion. The real question is which translation or version is worthwhile. This one here definitely IS.There are many aspects to this version of the HYP which make it the preferred translation.One, the quality of the translation. To this untrained aspirant, unlearned in Sanskrit, this translation flows easily, and is expressed in crisp, clear English, avoiding unnecessary technical words.Two, the essentials of the text are here. While there is the original Sanskrit and Roman transliteration, along with the English, this translation does not have a word-for-word glossary after every entry. While such glossaries may be helpful in translations of the Vedas, for the HYP, these word-for-word glossaries are not critical to an understanding of the mantra and unnecessary.Three, this translation contains the gloss of that Master Guru, Krishnamacharya. The translator of this text, A.G. Mohan, had been a disciple of Krishnamacharya, for many years. Mohan kept notes of his commentaries, and these notes are included on selected entries.Four, Krishnamacharya’s commentaries do not overwhelm. There are many translations of the HYP which, in addition to the word-for-word glossary of every entry, contain commentaries of every single entry. Really, this is unnecessary. Krishnamacharya’s commentaries, when they are made, are pointed and instructive and add to the meaning to obscure entries.Five — and probably most important — this HYP contains an excellent introduction authored by Mohan. It is amazing. Mohan has accomplished in a short, ten-page introduction, what entire volumes have failed to present, which is a clear explanation of Hatha Yoga, its general overview, and the significance of its practices to the individual aspirant.All in all, this is one of the finest versions of the HYP that I have seen.

Having read various translations of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and each time left feeling underwhelmed by its often contradictory and exaggerated statements, I was eager to read this translation by A.G. Mohan. I knew that if anyone could clarify the subject matter, he could. Right from the beginning, it is clear this is an important analysis, one that points out both practices that may be useful and those that are potentially harmful or misleading. For example, included in the introductory chapter, there is a beautifully written section on Tantric sex practices, which discusses the relevance of these practices on the path of self-transformation. It highlights the need for rational thinking when it comes to deciphering the information contained in this text. Graciously sharing notes he took during his personal studies with his guru, Krishnamancharya, Mohan also shares Krishnamacharya’s views on the various subjects presented in the text. and we too, get to benefit from the master's knowledge and experience. This is an important translation, one that I personally have been waiting some time for, it will be a great reference point, both in my practice and teaching,

This translation is special in that it contains notes from Sri T. Krishnamacharya, as taught directly to his student, A.G. Mohan, during their many years of one to one study. As Krishnamacharya was unique in his practice, knowledge and experience in haṭha-yoga, this book accordingly becomes a gracious gift to today’s yoga students.A.G. Mohan’s introduction alone contains much valuable information. He explains why, although an important text on haṭha-yoga, the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā should be analysed with a “discriminating eye”. He recommends (and includes where relevant) comparisons to sister texts such as Gheranḍa Samhitā and Yoga Yājñavalkya, as well as providing alternatives to some of the practices. He explains that this is precisely the approach that Krishnamacharya followed when teaching this text.A.G. Mohan generously offers a window into his studies with Krishnamacharya, and includes a summary of his guru’s guidelines to the practice pathway of classical haṭha-yoga. He reminds us that, if practices are to be useful on the path to yoga, then we must be clear on what we are doing.

Consider this a summary of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika from one to whom may be considered the supreme teacher of Yoga in modern times, and yet he simply considered himself a student. Refusing to consider himself a guru, he brought forth the deep essence and pure potential from a centuries old teaching, while making applicable to current times. As example he shares that some, if not all, of the shatkarmas, or purification techniques, may not be needed due to the abundance of ready made herbs that will facilitate similar purifying results.This is a great, great book packed with so much information in what seems like not nearly enough pages. Yet, somehow all of that info is tucked neatly within this short book. A true and absolute treasure.

Internationally respected teachers A.G. and Ganesh Mohan once again offer a book that is practical and accessible for any yoga practitioner. It offers a refreshingly succinct overview of yoga and its application for well-being and self-transformation. It is based upon the authors’ decades of experience and study, which gives the book a sincere, clear, and authentic presentation on Hatha-Yoga. There are photos and direct translations from A.G. Mohan’s study with the great scholar and yoga master Sri T. Krishnamacharya.