Some of these practices are still recognisable to us today – postures such as paschimottanasana for example – but there are others (making yourself sick, anyone?) that may seem a bit alarming at first. Key themes: The book is split into four sections, all of which explore practices to cleanse and purify the body.Ĭhapter 1 deals with asana, chapter 2 explores shatkarmas and the six key pranayama practices, chapter 3 looks at mudra and bandhas and chapter four comes to samadhi, or enlightenment. Popular translations: The Bihar School book by Swami Muktibodhananda is a popular option. (some dates go as far back as the 6th century)įirst translated into English: There are many translations, but one of the earliest was thought to have been around 1914, by Pancham Sinh. If you’re uncertain that a book written around the 15th century retains much modern-day relevance, take a look…ĭate written: 15 th century approx. The Hatha Yoga Pradipida is an ancient amalgamation of knowledge about cleansing and purifying practices that is still widely referenced today.