Our Books

These four titles represent the foundational "Four Pillars" of classical yoga literature commonly studied together to understand the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice.

The

Collection of Gheranda

original: Gheranda Samhita. This 17th-century manual is one of the most comprehensive guides to Hatha Yoga A system of physical techniques designed to prepare the body for spiritual liberation. It is framed as a dialogue between the sage Gheranda and a disciple, King Chandakapali.

James Mallinson

James Mallinson is a prominent modern scholar and practitioner known for his rigorous translations of classical Sanskrit yoga texts, bridgeing the gap between academic research and practical application.

YogaVidya.com is a publishing house dedicated to making the core texts of the yoga tradition available to a modern audience.

The background of this page consists of repeating fragments of verses in Sanskrit, primarily from the opening of the Light on Forceful Yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradipika). These verses serve as a decorative tribute to the lineage of yoga masters. Below is the translation of these background fragments.

...like a ladder for one who desires to ascend. || Having saluted the illustrious Lord and Guru, the yogi Svatmarama The 15th-century author of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika [presents this]... solely [for the sake of the highest yoga]... the compassionate one. || Indeed, Matsyendra A legendary founding figure of Hatha Yoga, often depicted as a fish who became a man after overhearing Shiva’s secret teachings, Goraksha original: Gor...; the 11th-century master who systematized Hatha Yoga practice...