In the Hatha yoga Pradipika text, Svatmarama introduces his system of yoga as a preparation for physical purification. The other two are the Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita. Hatha yoga Pradipika is one of the three available ancient texts on hatha yoga. Of these, 8 are seated while 7 are non-seated. The hatha yoga Pradipika contains 15 basic asanas. In Sanskrit, the text is called hatha yoga Pradipika which translates to ‘light on Hatha Yoga.’ It is an amalgamation of many hatha texts combined together into some sort of book. It was written by Swami Svatmarama and is derived from old Sanskrit texts. What is Hatha Yoga Pradipika?The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is an ancient text composed in the 15th century CE. Hatha yoga has evolved and picked influences along the way to become what it is today. Hatha yoga, therefore, includes activities you can do with the body such as asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mantra (chanting or reciting), mudra (hand gestures), and kriya (cleansing techniques). Obviously, this alludes to physical techniques, but hatha yoga is much more than this. Hatha yoga is, therefore, anything that you might do with your body that requires the use of force. Hatha is a Sanskrit word that translates literally to ‘force.’ This is as described in the Hatha yoga Pradipika. Hatha yoga mainly has been practiced for as long as yoga existed. Some people suggest that yoga didn’t exist this early, but regardless all people agree that yoga has been practiced for a long time.

This statement can be backed by the ancient text the Atharva Veda and the Pashupati Seal.

Yoga is believed to have been practiced since 1000 BC or even before.

Hatha yoga book from early 1970's