Page 247 - Adhiyoga Purana

Hathayogsutrani: A Journey with Hathayoga
Hathayoga had always fascinated seekers across the world, yet many who claimed to practice it were far from its true essence. The reason was not insincerity, but misunderstanding. The original texts were rooted in Sanskrit, a language often unfamiliar to modern teachers and writers. Works like the Hathayoga-Pradipika carried the wisdom of centuries, but their verse form, repetitions, exaggerated claims meant to inspire, and metaphorical style often clouded the true meaning. Some verses even described practices that could be dangerous if attempted without guidance.
Amidst this challenge, Dr. Neel Kulkarni felt a calling. As both a student and a teacher of Yoga, he recognized the need to shed new light on Hathayoga, to make its wisdom more accessible, yet without diluting its authenticity. In August 2022, he published an English translation of the Hathayoga Sutras (Composed in Sanskrit by Dr. Neel Kulkarni himself), enriched with critical commentary. The present text grew as a continuation of that work, offering detailed reflections and carefully chosen references—never an exhaustive list, but authentic points of guidance for sincere students.
This effort was not born from intellect alone. Neel often acknowledged that the deeper understanding came through blessings—most of all from his father, whose influence silently shaped his journey. His Sanskrit teachers, N.N. Bhide and Dr. G.U. Thite, provided him the grounding and precision to work directly with the original texts. Two of his devoted students, Dr. Hannes Mayer of Austria and Miss Stefania Cavallaro of Italy, studied the Hathayoga- Pradipika with him and inspired many of the insights contained in this commentary.
For the first time, Neel wrote directly in Sanskrit—a milestone that carried both joy and humility. He knew that any work of this kind might have shortcomings, and he invited scholars to forgive them kindly. What mattered most to him was that the work should serve seekers, clarify confusions, and uphold the sanctity of the Yoga tradition.
On April 6, 2023, the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti, this book was completed. To Neel, it was not just a text, but an offering—a way to keep alive the flame of Hathayoga for generations of sincere practitioners.
OM Shantih.
247