Hahayoga from a 17th-century source

Yuktabhavadeva

Now, a brief exposition of Hahayoga is given.

Having pressed the anus with the left ankle, press [that] joint with the right [ankle]. Having placed the left
hand on right and focusing the eyes on either the tip of the nose or middle of the brows, one should
visualise a flame in the [region of] Mladhra (the base of the spine).

Practising thus for 48 minutes in the morning, midday, evening and midnight for only ten days, the yogin's
fire, which is renewed by Apnavyu's upward movement caused by blocking the opening of the anus,
becomes an upward flame.

As a result of this, the body becomes light, the digestive fire increases and Nda (the internal resonance)
manifests. Then, after six months or a year, faeces and urine diminish and one becomes fearless in riding,
sitting and so on.

After this, one should hold the fire and wind in the navel. It awakens the snake in the form of Kualin
which is situated there.

As a result of that, the bodily winds circulate in the body like threads [woven] in a cloth. Then, one should
lead the fire and wind up from the navel. This destroys all diseases. An increase in bodily fire, beauty and
such things arise. When the wind and fire have entered the heart lotus, it becomes fully expanded. Then, a
treasure trove of wisdom arises.

When the wind and fire have ascended to the middle of the eyebrows, one should see a moon with the
[higher faculty of] mind. In [that moon], one should visualise the self and make the mind dissolve there.

The [final] result of this [practice] has been taught by Yjavalkya.

When the yogins' mind dissolves into the centre of the brow, then nectar flows onto the base of the tongue
and a vision of the self arises in the brow's centre. Then, there is a trembling in the head and the self is
seen by only the mind. Beautiful groves of the gods, constellations, the moon, sages, perfected yogis and

the celestial musicians appear to [these] yogins.

Translation by JASON BIRCH

DPhil (Oriental Studies), Oxford University

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