Ramana Maharshi Views About Hatha Yoga

B.: The hatha yogis claim to keep the body fit so that the enquiry may be effected without obstacles. They also say that life must be prolonged so that the enquiry may be carried to a successful end. Furthermore there are those who use various drugs (kayakalpa) to that end.

Their favourite example is that the canvas must be perfect before the painting is begun. Yes, but which is the canvas and which the painting?

According to them the body is the canvas and the inquiry into the Self the painting. But isn’t the body itself a picture on the canvas of the Self?

D.: But hatha yoga is much spoken of as an aid.

B.: Yes. Even great pandits well-versed in Vedanta continue the practice of it. Otherwise their minds will not subside. So you may say it is useful for those who cannot otherwise still the mind.

Source: The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words Edited By ARTHUR OSBORNE