HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA

Yoga is of very little use, if studied theoretically. It was

never meant for such a study. In its practical form,

however, the path of the student is beset with

difficulties. The books on Yoga give instructions so far

as it is possible to express the methods in words, but all

persons, not being careful enough to follow these

instructions to the very letter, fail in their object. Such

persons require a teacher versed in the practice of Yoga.

It is easy to find a teacher who will explain the language

of the books, but this is far from being satisfactory. For

instance, a Pandit without any knowledge of the science

of materia medica will explain ‘Kantakari’ as

‘Kantakasyaarih Kantakaari’ or an enemy of thorns, i.e.,

shoes, while it is in reality the name of a medicinal

plant.The importance of a practical Yogî as a guide to a

student of Yoga cannot be overestimated; and without

such a teacher it is next to impossible for him to achieve

anything. The methods followed by the founders of the

system and followed ever afterwards by their followers,

have been wisely and advisedly kept secret; and this is

not without a deep meaning. Looking to the gravity of

the subject and the practices which have a very close

relation with the vital organs of the human body, it is of

paramount importance that the instructions should be

received by students of ordinary capacity, through a

practical teacher only, in order to avoid any possibility

of mistake in practice. Speaking broadly, all men are not

equally fitted to receive the instructions on equal terms.

man inherits on birth his mental and physical capitals,

according to his actions in past births, and has to

increase them by manipulation, but there are, even

among such, different grades. Hence, one cannot

become a Yogî in one incarnation, as says Sri Krishna