Health, purification and liberation: Therapeutic paradigms in classical hatha yoga
Mukesh Dwivedi
Journal of Ayurvedic Maulik Siddhant 2026 DOI: 10.33545/siddhant.2026.v3.i1.a.39 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that classical Hatha Yoga texts present a multi-layered therapeutic paradigm in which purification practices, āsana, prāṇāyāma, mudrā, and meditation integrate physiological balance, psycho-emotional harmony, and spiritual liberation, rather than serving only as physical exercise or symptomatic relief. |
Abstract
The classical tradition of Hatha Yoga presents a comprehensive framework in which health (ārogya), purification (śuddhi), and liberation (mokṣa) are interconnected dimensions of human well-being. While modern discourse frequently interprets Hatha Yoga primarily as a system of physical postures, classical texts reveal a far deeper therapeutic paradigm grounded in the purification of body, regulation of prāṇa, stabilization of mind, and awakening of higher consciousness. This paper undertakes a conceptual and textual analysis of therapeutic paradigms embedded in major Hatha Yoga texts, particularly the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and Shiva Samhita. By examining their doctrinal foundations and practical prescriptions, the study demonstrates that Hatha Yoga envisions therapy not merely as symptomatic relief but as a transformative process culminating in spiritual liberation. The paper argues that purification practices (ṣaṭkarma), āsana, prāṇāyāma, mudrā, and meditation collectively constitute a multi-layered therapeutic model integrating physiological balance, psycho-emotional harmony, and transcendental realization.