Now Vajrolī: Even if he lives according to his own will, without the restrictions prescribed by yoga, whoever knows Vajrolī, that yogi is worthy of siddhis.

This verse introduces Vajrolī Mudrā, perhaps the most controversial of the practices described in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā.The statement is extraordinary: svecchayā vartamānaḥ — living according to one’s own will — and yogoktair niyamair vinā — without the restrictions of yoga — the knower of Vajrolī attains siddhis.

This statement apparently contradicts the traditional yogic ethics of yama-niyama.However, it must be understood in context: Vajrolī is an advanced tantric practice that operates in a different paradigm than ascetic yoga.Left-hand Tantrism (vāmācāra) deliberately uses forbidden elements to transcend them.

The word vijānāti — “truly know” — is key.It is not enough to perform the technique mechanically;deep understanding of the underlying energetic principles is required.Only with this knowledge can the practitioner live seemingly “unrestricted” while internally maintaining the essential discipline of bindu conservation and transmutation.