2 sets of asanas by Svatmarama, part 2

Hatha Yoga Pradipika, translated by Pancham Sinh, [1914]

19. Being the first accessory of Hatha Yoga, âsana is described first. It should be practised for gaining steady posture, health and lightness of body.

20.I am going to describe certain âsanas which have been adopted by Munîs like Vasishtha, etc., and Yogîs like Matsyendra, etc.

Here is the first set of asanas, which I would call "given for health" by munis and yogis. Svatmarama explains 11 poses. The most important of them aim to impact abdomen area to improve digestion which is the main concern of yogis. They thought that good digestion was the gateway for healthy body. The best of these poses Paschimotanasana was even accepted by "Shiva Samhita" (classical yoga text) while others were ignored.

35.Śiva taught 84 âsanas. Of these the first four being essential ones, I am going to explain them here.

36.These four are:—The Siddha, Padma, Sinha and Bhadra. Even of these, the Siddha-âsana, being very comfortable, one should always practise it.

It seems ( surprisingly) that the introduction to asanas has just started with these two verses. This another set of poses is given by Shiva and is of unparalleled importance. They all seem to be of meditative nature. This meditative nature is probably derived from the "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali. 2.46. Asana is steady and comfortable. 2.47. ( Achieved) by relaxation of effort and by coinciding with the Endless. So every living being has its asana. " There are as many poses as living beings." Out of all asanas Shiva taught 84.

40.Just as sparing food is among Yamas, and Ahimsâ among the Niyamas, so is Siddhâsana called by adepts the chief of all the âsanas.

41.Out of the 84 Âsanas Siddhâsana should always be practised, because it cleanses the impurities of 72,000 nâdîs.

42.By contemplating on oneself, by eating sparingly, and by practising Siddhâsana for 12 years, the Yogî obtains success.

43.Other postures are of no use, when success has been achieved in Siddhâsana, and Prâna Vâyû becomes calm and restrained by Kevala Kumbhaka.

45.There is no Âsana like the Siddhâsana and no Kumbhaka like the Kevala. There is no mudrâ like the Khechari and no laya like the Nâda (Anâhata Nâda.)

51.The Yogî who, sitting with Padmâsana, can control breathing, there is no doubt, is free from bondage.

Like a parrot Svatmarama praises siddhasana and lotus as well. These two asanas are the cornerstone of the practice and have to be practiced right from the beginning. The discrimination between 2 sets of asanas is obvious from the teachings of Svatmarama but this separation will become undistinguished later when Gheranda ( "Gheranda Samhita") unites all asanas in one list.