हठयोग प्रदीपिका (योगी स्वात्माराम - ज्योत्स्ना टीका सहित सटीक)

HAṬHAYOGAPRADĪPIKĀ 25 14. In the early stages of practice, food mixed with milk and ghee is prescribed [as the best diet]. But when practice has advanced, such restrictions need not be observed. 15. As the lion, elephant or tiger is tamed gra- dually, even so should Prāṇa be brought under control. Else it will kill the practitioner. 16. Through the proper practice of Prāṇāyāma [along with right food and proper Bandha-s] there is freedom from all diseases. By a mistaken course of Yoga, [the practitioner] brings upon himself all diseases. 17. By a wrong course of Prāṇāyāma are produced hiccup, asthma, bronchial diseases, pains in the head, ears and eyes and various other diseases. 18. One should gradually exhale the breath and as gradually inhale it; one should also restrain it gra- dually. Thus is siddhi obtained. 19. When the Nāḍī-s are purified, there are external signs: leanness and brightness of the body are definitely produced. 20. When one is able to restrain the breath as desired, when the [gastric] fire becomes more active, and the nāda (inner sound) is heard, there is perfect health, because the Nāḍī-s are purified. 21. One who is flabby and phlegmatic should first [before the practice of Prāṇāyāma] practise the six acts: Others [who do not have these defects] should not practise them, the [three] humours [wind, bile and phlegm] being equally balanced in them.