Alchemy of Āsana is a rare chance to explore the hidden side of yoga postures with one of the great living scholars of Haṭha Yoga. In this course, Dr. M. Jayaraman – a true heavyweight in the world of Haṭha texts – guides us through the āsana section of the Haṭhayogapradīpikā (verses 17–54) with the depth and clarity that only a lifetime of study can offer. From the heart of the Mysore yoga tradition, Dr. Jayaraman served for many years as Director of Textual Studies at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and trained under the revered Yogācārya Śrīdharaṇ. He brings together rigorous, traditional scholarship and a warm, humorous, down-to-earth teaching style. Dr. M. Jayaraman is fully at ease with modern technology and he makes this ancient material feel fresh, direct, and highly relatable.

Today, most of us know the physical benefits of āsana: strength, flexibility, better sleep, relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. We feel that yoga “does something” for our mood and nervous system—but what, exactly? This course looks directly at that question. Drawing from the original Sanskrit, we explore how classical Haṭha Yoga understands the subtle impact of postures on the prāṇa-vāyus, kośas, nāḍīs and chakras, and how this ancient subtle body model relates to our modern understanding of the nervous system. You’ll get a rare glimpse into what the postures are meant to do energetically, not just how they shape muscles and joints.

Rather than just listing postures and benefits, this textual immersion opens a window into the alchemy, energetic aspects, and ancient lore behind fifteen classical āsanas – how they are described in the original Sanskrit, why they were chosen, and what inner transformations they are meant to support. Through chanting, word-by-word study, reference to the traditional Jyotsnā commentary, and plenty of time for questions, you will gain a much deeper appreciation for the subtle power of postural practice. This course is ideal for practitioners and teachers who love āsana and want to understand what stands behind it: a living tradition that unites body, prāṇa, mind, and the search for the Self.

Textual Immersion on the Āsanas of Haṭhayogapradīpikā with Dr M Jayaraman 

The Haṭhayogapradīpikā is one of the most authoritative and widely studied classical texts on Haṭha Yoga, composed by Svātmārāma Yogi around the 15th century CE. It systematically presents the practical path of Haṭha Yoga as a preparation for the higher goal of Rāja Yoga. Drawing from earlier sources like Gorakṣaśataka, Amṛtasiddhi, and Yoga Upaniṣads, the text harmoniously combines physical, vital, mental, and spiritual disciplines into a comprehensive yogic framework.

The work comprises four chapters, dealing respectively with Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Mudrā, and Nādānusandhāna, forming a complete guide to the practice of Haṭha Yoga leading to the realization of the Self.

This workshop offers an in-depth textual immersion into the first chapter, focusing on the section dealing with Āsanas (Verses 17–54).

Focus of the Workshop

Chapter One of the Haṭhayogapradīpikā serves as the foundation for the entire text, outlining the preparatory practices that purify and stabilize the body and mind for higher yogic pursuits. The chapter begins with an invocation and description of the prerequisites for Yoga (Verses 1–16), offering salutations to the lineage of Gurus and explaining the essential qualifications, attitudes, and conducive conditions necessary for success in Yoga. It then moves into the core section on Āsanas (Verses 17–54), where fifteen classical postures are described in detail, followed by dietary and lifestyle prescriptions (Verses 55–67) emphasizing mitāhāra—moderate, wholesome diet—and disciplined living that sustains Yoga practice.

The workshop will particularly focus on Verses 17–54, which present the section on Āsanas. In this portion, fifteen classical postures are taught, highlighting their methods, purposes, and benefits. These Āsanas are:

1. Svastikāsana (Verse 19)

2. Gomukhāsana (20)

3. Vīrāsana (21)

4. Kūrmāsana (22)

5. Kukkuṭāsana (23)

6. Uttānakūrmakāsana (24)

7. Dhanurāsana (25)

8. Matsyendrāsana (26–27)

9. Paścimatānāsana (28–29)

10. Mayūrāsana (30–31) 

11. Śavāsana (32)

12. Siddhāsana (35–43) – Five Variations

13. Padmāsana (44–49) – Three Variations

14. Siṃhāsana (50–52)

15. Bhadrāsana (53–54)

Method of Study

The workshop adopts a traditional and experiential approach to studying the text through:

• Chanting and repetition of the verses of Haṭhayogapradīpikā

• Splitting of compound words (padaccheda) for clarity

• Word-by-word analysis of meaning

• Summary and interpretation of each verse

• Reference to the traditional commentary Jyotsnā by Brahmānanda for deeper insight

• Q&A sessions to clarify concepts and resolve doubts during the study

Learning Materials

• Handouts will be provided to all participants for ease of study and reference.

• The book The Essentials of Haṭhayoga, authored by Dr. M. Jayaraman and published by Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, may be procured as the course reference material.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fifteen Āsanas of Haṭhayogapradīpikā, their traditional descriptions, benefits, and philosophical underpinnings as explained in the Jyotsnā commentary.