हठयोग प्रदीपिका (योगी स्वात्माराम - ज्योत्स्ना टीका सहित सटीक)

HAṬHAYOGAPRADĪPIKĀ 7 length and in a virtuous, well-ruled kingdom, which is prosperous and free of disturbances. 'Free from rocks, water and fire'—These are considerations not to be passed over lightly by anyone who wishes to pursue the arduous course of Yoga. By 'water' is meant here dampness or wetness. 13. The maṭha should have a small door, and should be without any windows; it should be level and without any holes; it should be neither too high, too low, nor too long. It should be very clean, being well smeared with cowdung and free from all insects. Outside, it should be attractive with a small hall (maṇḍapa), a raised seat and a well, and surrounded by a wall. These are the characteristics of a yoga-maṭha as laid down by the Siddha-s who have practised Haṭha-yoga. If it is very high there will be great difficulty in getting up; and if very long the eye will wander far. Nandikeśvara adds to this, 'The monastery should be surrounded by flower gardens and groves so that the eye of the Yogin resting upon them might become calm. On the walls of his room should be drawn pictures of the cycles of existence and the attendant miseries. There should be depicted a burning ground and the naraka-s, i.e. the hells or places of purification after death, so that the mind of the Yogin will conceive a dislike and distaste for worldly life.' 14. Living in such a monastery [the Yogin], being free in mind of all cares, should practise only Yoga all the time, in the way taught by his Guru. The necessity of having a Guru by one's side when practising Yoga is here strongly dwelt upon. The Yogabīja says: 'He who wants to practise Yoga should have a competent Guru with him.