Discourse on the Rising of the Breath

In this way, place the limbs on the left and right sides, following the sequence slowly and steadily. At the first beginning, the "clapping" original: "tali," likely referring to the locking or joining of limbs is difficult. 19. As much as one can endure it, so should their devotion to it grow. Keep the back firm, then twice fold the hands together firmly. Keep the arms firm as well; Shambhu Shambhu: A name for the god Shiva, who is considered the first teacher of Hatha Yoga speaks of this practice with hairs standing on end original: "romancha," a sign of spiritual ecstasy or intense physical focus. 20. Whoever applies their mind to this posture (asana) immediately suppresses the three qualities of nature Prakriti: The three "gunas" or qualities—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). If they speak little, eat light food, and sleep only a small amount, then all drowsiness vanishes. 21.

Doha

By eating little, speaking little, and sleeping little, a person gains greatness and their intellect becomes a source of light. 22.

Thus concludes the Assembly Pose. Now, the Wheel Pose — Chaupai

इति सभासन अथ चक्रासन चौपई Thus concludes Sabhasana (Assembly Pose). Now begins Chakrasana (Wheel Pose).

Next, the Wheel Pose Chakrasana: A posture where the body is arched like a wheel shall be described; its practice involves holding the head straight. Sit cross-legged and know that the right hand should reach toward the left shoulder. 23. Take the left hand to the right side; with both hands, create a binding at the neck. Keep the back stiff and hold the name of the Unseen original: "Alakh," the formless Divine in the heart with joy. 24. This destroys pains in the chest and head; it also removes stubborn skin conditions original: "chajan," referring to coverings or rashes and discoloration. Other diseases also leave the body (pinda), and the physical form appears pure and auspicious. 25.

Thus concludes the Wheel Pose. Now, the Pillar Pose — Chaupai

इति चक्रासन अथ थंभासन चौपई Thus concludes Chakrasana. Now begins Stambhasana (Pillar Pose).

The Pillar Pose Thambhasana: Also known as Stambhasana, intended to "pillar" or steady the body and breath provides steadiness; the greatness of this practice is profoundly deep. Sitting in a cross-legged posture, place both hands between the calves. 26. Tuck the arms inside the legs and recite the name of the Unseen with the tongue Rasana: The tongue, often used in yoga for specific internal recitations. By this, the elements of Earth and Water within the body decrease, while the quality of Fire original: "Tej," representing digestive fire and spiritual radiance and the balanced quality (Sattva) are greatly increased. 27.

Thus concludes the Pillar Pose. Doha: The Method of Practicing the Thunderbolt Pose.

इति थंभासन दोहा वज्रासन विध सा। धियो Thus concludes Thambhasana. Doha: The method of practicing Vajrasana.

Sitting in a cross-legged position, bind the neck by tucking the chin this refers to Jalandhara Bandha, the chin-lock; sit firmly between the calves and the thighs. 28. Chaupai...