The knowers of the Self know that yama, niyama, dietary restrictions, and various austerities are perfected through the practice of Siddhāsana alone.

An extraordinary declaration: Siddhāsana can substitute for all other preliminary practices. Patañjali’s yamas (ethical restraints) and niyamas (observances), dietary disciplines, and tapas (austerities) become unnecessary for one who masters this posture.

How is this possible? The Nāth tradition holds that Siddhāsana acts directly upon the energy centers that govern behavior. When energy is correctly channeled, vices such as violence, dishonesty, or gluttony simply lose their attraction.

Ātmavidaḥ — “the knowers of the Self” — qualifies this statement. Not any practitioner can obtain this result; deep understanding is required. A beginner still needs preliminary practices; the advanced adept transcends them naturally.

This perspective reflects Haṭha Yoga’s pragmatic approach: go directly to the energetic causes rather than fighting against behavioral effects.