Gheranda Samhita

Bronze figure of Kashmiri in Meditation by Malvina Hoffman Wellcome M0005215

Gheranda Samhita is a Sanskrit text on Yoga, considered one of the three classic texts of Hatha yoga, the other two being the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Shiva Samhita. Unlike its counterparts, the Gheranda Samhita presents its teachings in the form of a conversation between Gheranda, a sage, and Chanda Kapali, a disciple. The text is a comprehensive manual on Hatha yoga, detailing asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras (gestures), and meditation techniques, aimed at transforming the physical body into what it calls the "divine body."

Content

The Gheranda Samhita consists of seven chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the yoga practice. These chapters are:

1. Shatkarmas: This section covers six purification techniques, designed to cleanse the body and prepare it for higher yoga practices. 2. Asanas: It describes 32 yoga postures that help in maintaining physical health and preparing the body for meditation. 3. Mudras: The text outlines 25 mudras and bandhas (locks) that are said to awaken spiritual energy and direct it through the body's energy channels (nadis). 4. Pratyahara: This chapter deals with the withdrawal of the senses from external objects to help focus the mind. 5. Pranayama: It details techniques for controlling the breath, which is believed to be the source of life force (prana). 6. Dhyana: This section provides guidance on meditation, aiming to bring about a state of deep concentration and unity with the divine. 7. Samadhi: The final chapter describes the ultimate goal of yoga, a state of blissful union with the absolute.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Gheranda Samhita is grounded in Samkhya, one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, which posits a dualism between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). The text emphasizes the transformation of the physical body into a "divine body" through the practice of Hatha yoga, leading to the realization of the self (Atman) and unity with the absolute (Brahman).

Significance

The Gheranda Samhita is significant for its detailed and practical approach to Hatha yoga. It is more accessible to beginners than other texts due to its clear instructions and the inclusion of preparatory practices. The text is also notable for its emphasis on the physical aspects of yoga, reflecting the tantric influence on Hatha yoga practices.

Influence

The Gheranda Samhita has had a profound influence on the practice of yoga in both the East and West. Its teachings have been incorporated into various yoga traditions and continue to be studied by yoga practitioners and scholars alike. The text's comprehensive approach to yoga, covering both practical techniques and philosophical foundations, makes it a pivotal work in the yoga literature.