Gheranda Samhita: A Glimpse Into the Heart of Hatha Yoga

Gheranda Samhita, written by the sage Gheranda, is a crucial traditional text on Hatha Yoga. Acclaimed as one of the most important texts on Hatha Yoga alongside Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Siva Samhita, Gheranda Samhita sheds light on the concepts and practical aspects of Hatha Yoga.

In the Gheranda Samhita, Gheranda Muni doesn't refer to the practice as Hatha Yoga. The sage calls it Ghata Yoga or Ghatasta Yoga. The term "Ghata '' means earthen pot. Here, the term is used to represent the human body, which should go through various yoga practices to attain the highest state of enlightenment. Ghatasta Yoga focuses on the soul residing within the physical body. It emphasizes the importance of purifying and strengthening the body for spiritual growth.

Seven Limbs of Ghata Yoga

Yoga Gheranda outlines seven essential components of Ghata Yoga. Each of these contributes to the practitioner's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These are:

1. Shodhana Kriya - Cleansing processes 

2. Asana - Postures 

3. Mudra - Psychic gestures 

4. Pratyahara - Withdrawal of senses 

5. Pranayama - Breathing practices 

6. Dhyana - Meditation 

7. Samadhi - Equanimity

The Practices of Gheranda Samhita 

The Gheranda Samhita provides great insights into the practical aspects of various Yoga techniques. The text contains:  

• 21 Cleansing processes 

• 32 Asanas 

• 25 Mudras 

• 5 Pratyahara practices 

• 11 Pranayama techniques 

• 3 Dhyana methods 

• 6 techniques to achieve Samadhi 

Gheranda Samhita starts by discussing cleansing processes, or shatkarmas. Then, in the second chapter, he delves into asanas. Mudras and Bandhas are discussed in the third chapter. Mudras are said to provide stability; however, the yogic texts indicate these are for Kundalini arousal. 

After elaborating on the cleansing processes and the asanas, in the third chapter, Gheranda Muni explains Mudras. Mudras result in stability. However, other Yogic texts have indicated that mudras are meant for the arousal of Kundalini. Considering the control of emotional and mental disturbances of utmost importance, Gheranda describes the practice of Pratyahara. Pranayama, Dhyana, and Samadhi are explained in the remaining three chapters, concluding the Hatha Yogic practices.  

The regulation of life force, which is pranayama, is explained elaborately. The selection of the ideal place and time is given significant importance. Autumn is mentioned as the best season for the practice of pranayama. Uttama, The text also elucidates Nadishodhana of two kinds of nadis, Samanu and Nirmanu. Samanu is practiced using a Bija mantra and is called Sabija Nadishodhana. While Samanu is mainly a mental process, Nirmanu involves physical cleansing processes such as dhautis. Eight varieties of Kumbhakas, or breath retention practices, including Sahita Kumbhaka, are also mentioned in the book.

Gheranda Muni further describes Dhyana and expounds on its three methods: Sthula Dhyana, Jyothi Dhyana, and Sukshma Dhyana. In the last chapter with Samadhi, the Sage concludes the book.

Techniques to Attain Samadhi

Sage Gheranda, in his text, offers the below 6 techniques to attain Samadhi: 

• Dhyana Yoga Samadhi which is achieved through Sambhavi Mudra.

• Nada Yoga Samadhi which is achieved by performing Khechari Mudra. 

• Rasananda Yoga Samadhi by performing Bhramari Kumbhaka. 

• Laya Siddhi Yoga Samadhi by Yoni Mudra. 

• Bhakti Yoga Samadhi by contemplating the heart and deity. 

• Raja Yoga Samadhi by Monomurchcha Kumbhaka.