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.