GHERANDA SAMHITA: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art of Ghatastha Yoga 🧘‍♂️

 

(Find the ebook- Gheranda Samhita at the end of the article)

What Is the Gheranda Samhita?

The Gheranda Samhita (17th–18th century CE) is a revered Hatha Yoga manual presented as a dialogue between Sage Gheranda (the teacher) and Chandakapali (the student). Unlike Patanjali’s eight-limbed Raja Yoga, this Yoga Shastra outlines a seven-limbed method called Ghatastha Yoga—“ghata” meaning pot, symbolizing the body-mind vessel. 

The goal is to purify and fortify the vessel so it can contain the experience of samadhi.

The 7 Limbs of Ghatastha Yoga at a Glance

1. Shatkarma - Six purificatory actions
2. Asana - Postures that steady and strengthen
3. Mudra - Energetic seals/bandhas that direct prana
4. Pratyahara - Withdrawal of senses
5. Pranayama - Regulation of the breath and life force
6. Dhyana - Meditation practices
7. Samadhi - Absorption/union

1st Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Shatkarma (Six Purifications)

Purpose of Shatkarma is to detoxify and balance the physical body and subtle channels before intensifying practice. let’s break this down! Shatkarma translates to “six actions,” and it’s like a personal trainer for your insides, helping to detoxify and rejuvenate your body. These six techniques are designed to purify various systems in our body, ensure our energy flows freely, and promote overall well-being. 

1. Dhauti – Internal cleansing (various methods)
2. Basti – Yogic colon cleansing
3. Neti – Nasal cleansing (jala neti with saline is most common today)
4. Trataka – Steady gazing (often on a candle flame)
5. Nauli – Abdominal churning to massage organs
6. Kapalabhati – “Skull-shining” active exhalations

The Role of Shatkarma in Ghatastha Yoga

In the grand symphony of Ghatastha Yoga, Shatkarma plays the crucial role of the opening act—setting the mood for the main event. By cleansing the body, Shatkarma prepares the practitioner not just physically, but mentally and energetically too. The clearer your vessel (that’s you!), the easier it is to connect with deeper meditation and other practices that follow.

The Principles of Shatkarma

Purification in Shatkarma is akin to spring cleaning for your body and mind: it’s essential to keep clutter (think toxins, stress, and negativity) at bay. By embracing these techniques, we achieve a sense of balance that serene yogis have been raving about for centuries. A balanced system is like a well-tuned orchestra—each part sets the stage for the next, leading to overall harmony.

Integration of Mind and Body

One of the most magical aspects of Shatkarma is its ability to unite the mind and body in a dance of synchronization. As you purify physically, you’ll likely notice a lightness in your thoughts and emotions. This integration helps create a holistic approach to wellness, allowing you to step off the mat and into life with clarity and vigor (or at least with fewer post-yoga snack regrets).

Types of Shatkarma Techniques

Neti: Nasal Cleansing

Picture your nose as a highway for breath. Neti is like an exquisite road maintenance crew, ensuring everything stays clear and flowing smoothly. Using a simple saline solution, you'll purge congestion and boost your respiratory health. Extra bonus: it can also lead to clearer thinking—who knew a clean nose could lead to clean thoughts?

Neti:- Two parts of Neti Kriya have been done – 

• Jal Neti
• Sutra Neti

Dhauti: Gastrointestinal Purification

Dhauti encompasses a collection of techniques aimed at cleansing the digestive tract. This can involve sipping warm water or even more advanced methods .

Actually, there are mainly six Shatkarmas. But further their separate departments have also been made. Whose description is as follows –

Dhauti:- Four main parts of Dhauti have been considered. And by further dividing their parts, their total number becomes 13.

Four types of Dhauti:-

1. Antar Dhauti
2. Danta Dhauti
3. Hrida Dhauti
4. Moolasodhan

4 Types of Antar Dhauti:-

1. Vaatsar Dhauti
2. Varisar Dhauti
3. Agnisar Dhauti
4. Vahiskruta Dhauti

4 Types of Danta Dhauti:-

1. Dantamula Dhauti
2. Jihwashodhan Dhauti
3. Karnarandhra Dhauti (from both ears)
4. Kapalarandhra Dhauti

3 Types of Hrida Dhauti:-

1. Danda Dhauti
2. Vaman Dhauti
3. Vastra Dhoti

Mool Shodhan:- No other parts of Mool Shodhan Dhauti have been done.

Basti: Colonic Cleansing

No, Basti is not an exotic new yoga retreat; it’s a gentle colonic cleansing technique. Using warm water, this practice helps flush out the colon, promoting not just physical health but also mental clarity. It’s the “inner spring cleaning” no one really talks about but is essential for feeling fresh and fabulous.

Basti:- There are two types of Basti –

1. Jal Basti
2. Sthal Basti

Nauli: Abdominal Churning

This technique involves churning the abdominal muscles to stimulate digestion and promote vitality. Think of it as a joyful dance for your insides, giving those organs a little motivation to kick it into high gear.

Lauliki:- Lauliki i.e. Nauli Kriya has three types–

1. Middle Nauli
2. Left Nauli
3. Right Nauli

 Kapalabhati: Skull Shining Breath

Time to shine! Kapalabhati is a powerful breathing technique that clears the mind and energizes the body. By using swift, forceful exhales, you’re not just pumping up your lungs; you’re also giving your brain a spirited wake-up call. 

Kapalbhati: - Kapalbhati has three parts –

1. Vakram Kapalbhati
2. Vyutkram Kapalbhati
3. Shitkram Kapalbhati

 Trataka: Steady Gazing

Trataka encourages focus and concentration through the practice of steady gazing at a candle flame or any still object. Not only does this sharpen your focus, but it also calms the mind—perfect for those who find it challenging to meditate with all the distractions life throws our way. It’s like training your eyes (and mind) to become one-pointed masters!

Other divisions of Tratak have not been done. Actually, it has three parts, but they have been told by other yogis.

The 1st limb of Ghatastha Yoga—Shatkarma—is all about cleansing, rejuvenating, and laying a solid foundation for your yoga journey. Embracing these practices can be a delightful adventure toward holistic well-being and spiritual growth. 

Benefits of Practicing Shatkarma

Physical Health Improvements

Let’s start with the physique, shall we? Shatkarma, which consists of cleansing practices, is like giving your body a meticulous spring cleaning. By engaging in these techniques, you can detoxify your system, improve digestion, enhance respiratory function, and boost your immune response. Think of it as a rejuvenating spa day for your insides! Not to mention, regular practice can help you keep those pesky colds at bay, giving you more energy to tackle that couch marathon you've been planning.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Now, for the mind! Shatkarma does wonders for your mental and emotional health, too. These cleansing practices help clear mental fog and foster a sense of clarity. You know, that delightful feeling of knowing exactly where your keys are—well, maybe not that, but you get the idea. Regular practice can reduce stress levels and improve concentration, making you feel like a zen master in a chaotic world. Plus, who doesn't want to stroll through life with a little more emotional stability?

Spiritual Growth and Awareness

Finally, let’s not forget the spiritual side of things. Shatkarma can open the door to deeper self-awareness, connecting you with your inner self and the universe at large. By cleansing the body, you create space for spiritual energy to flow. It's like decluttering your bookshelf—just when you think there’s no room left, you discover hidden gems waiting to be explored. So, if you’re aiming to cultivate a more profound spiritual practice, Shatkarma is your trusty guide.

Why first? Clean channels reduce friction in later limbs (asana → mudra → pranayama), improving comfort and safety.

2nd Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Asana (Postures)

The purpose of Asana is to cultivate strength, mobility, and steadiness to sit comfortably and hold subtle practices.

In Ghatastha Yoga, the second limb, Asana, refers to physical postures or poses. Its primary goal is to purify and strengthen the physical body to prepare it for the higher stages of yoga, specifically for breathwork (pranayama) and meditation. Unlike modern exercise, Asana in this context is practiced slowly with conscious awareness and coordinated breathing, focusing on the quality of the posture rather than the quantity of repetitions.

Maharishi Gherand believes that there are as many asanas as there are living beings in the world. Lord Shiva has said eighty-four lakh (8400000) asanas, out of which he has considered only eighty-four (84) as the best. Here, Maharishi Gherand says that out of those eighty-four best asanas, thirty-two (32) asanas are very special. Therefore, a total of thirty-two asanas are described in the Gheranda Samhita. Whose names are as follows-

1. Siddhasana
2. Padmasana
3. Bhadrasana
4. Muktasana
5. Vajrasana
6. Swastikasana
7. Simhasana
8. Gomukhasana
9. Veerasana
10. Dhanurasana
11. Mritasana / Shavasana
12. Guptasana
13. Matsyasana
14. Matsyendrasana
15. Gorakshasana
16. Paschimottanasana
17. Utkat Asana
18. Sankat Asana
19. Mayurasana
20. Kukkutasana
21. Kurmasana
22. Uttankurmasana
23. Mandukasana
24. Uttan Mandukasana
25. Vrikshasana
26. Garudasana
27. Vrishasana
28. Shalabhasana
29. Makarasana
30. Ustrasana
31. Bhujangasana
32. Yogasana

Asana's role in Ghatastha Yoga is more than just physical fitness. It's about achieving "steadiness and comfort" in a posture, as described in the Yoga Sutras. By mastering the physical body, a practitioner can sit for long periods without discomfort, which is essential for deep meditation. The practice of Asana aims to:

Purify the body: Asanas work by stretching, bending, and twisting the spinal column in all directions, which promotes the health of nerves and internal organs.

Strengthen and tone: The postures strengthen and tone the muscles, joints, and bones, making the body more resilient.

Improve energy flow: By opening up the body's energy channels (nadis) and centers (chakras), asanas allow life force energy (prana) to flow freely. This helps to remove energetic blockages and balance the body and mind.

Develop mindfulness: The conscious performance of poses with synchronized breathing builds concentration and body awareness, which are crucial for the later limbs of yoga.

Key Difference from Modern Exercise

The practice of Asana in Ghatastha Yoga is distinct from gymnastics or typical exercise routines. While both can build physical strength and flexibility, the yogic approach emphasizes mental and spiritual benefits. Asanas are not about converting energy into fast movements or exhausting the body. Instead, they are practiced to harmonize the body and mind, fostering a sense of contentment, mental clarity, and inner peace. 

Also Read: Hatha Yoga Pradipika: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art of Yoga

3rd Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Mudra and Bandha

The purpose of Mudra and Bandha is to seal and steer prana to awaken, stabilize, and conserve energy.

Specialized gestures and energy locks are used in Mudra and Bandha, the third limb of Ghatastha Yoga, to regulate and guide the body's prana (life force energy) flow.  Compared to the physical postures of the previous limb (Asana), these practices are more subtle and internal.

Mudra (Gestures)

Mudra means "seal," "gesture," or "mark."  These are particular postures that frequently involve the hands and fingers, but they can also involve the tongue, eyes, or the entire body.  Mudras are thought to affect the subtle channels (nadis) and energy currents in the body. Mudras are used to contain and reroute prana, preventing it from dissipating, by forming these "seals."  This promotes increased mental stability and focus by balancing and arousing the body's energy centers, or chakras.

Bandha (Energy Locks)

To seal, confine, and force prana into the central energy channel, bandhas are strong internal locks or muscular contractions (Sushumna Nadi).  Usually, they are done in tandem with kumbhaka, or breath retention.

 Bandhas are used to stimulate the neurological and endocrine systems and create pressure, which helps to purify the body.  When the locks are released, the organs are rejuvenated by a strong surge of prana and blood.

A total of twenty-five (25) coins are mentioned in Gheranda Samhita. The names of these twenty-five currencies are as follows –

1. Mahamudra
2. Nabhomudra
3. Uddiyana Bandha
4. Jalandhara Bandha
5. Moolabandha
6. Mahabandha
7. Mahabedha Mudra
8. Khechari Mudra
9. Viparitakarani Mudra
10. Yoni Mudra
11. Vajroli Mudra
12. Shaktichalini Mudra
13. Tadagi Mudra
14. Manduki Mudra
15. Shambhavi Mudra
16. Parthvi Dharana
17. Ambhasi Dharana
18. Aagneyi Dharana
19. Vayavaya Dharana
20. Akashi Dharana
21. Ashwini Mudra
22. Pashini Mudra
23. Kaki Mudra
24. Matangi Mudra
25. Bhujangini Mudra.

Key Bandhas: The three main bandhas are:

Mula Bandha (Root Lock): A contraction of the perineum. This lock seals the downward-flowing energy (apana vayu).

Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock): A contraction of the abdominal muscles, pulling them inward and upward. This lock directs energy upward.

Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock): Tucking the chin to the chest. This lock seals the upper body's energy flow, preventing prana from escaping upwards.

The Synergy of Mudra and Bandha

Mudras and Bandhas are frequently performed in tandem in Ghatastha Yoga, particularly during pranayama, to produce a synergistic effect.  The Bandhas produce the pressure and locks required to push the prana into the central channel, which is an essential step in reaching higher states of consciousness. The Mudras aid in channeling and directing the subtle energy.  These exercises are thought to be crucial for getting the body and mind ready for the more complex phases of self-realization and meditation.

4th Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal)

The purpose of Pratyahara is to turn attention inward by gently unhooking from sense objects.

The fourth limb of Ghatastha Yoga, Pratyahara, is the practice of sense withdrawal. It's considered a crucial bridge between the external practices of the first three limbs (Asana, Mudra, and Bandha) and the internal, meditative practices that follow. The term Pratyahara comes from two Sanskrit words: prati (against or away) and ahara (food or anything we take in from the outside). Thus, Pratyahara literally means controlling or withdrawing from external influences.

The Goal of Pratyahara

The primary goal of Pratyahara is to train the mind to disengage from the constant stream of sensory information—sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations—that bombard it from the outside world.

Mindfulness and Control: Rather than physically retreating from the world, Pratyahara is about consciously choosing not to react to sensory stimuli. For example, during meditation, you might hear a car honk outside. Instead of getting distracted and following that thought, you simply acknowledge the sound and bring your attention back inward.

Conserving Energy: The mind's constant outward focus drains energy. By turning the senses inward, a practitioner conserves this energy and redirects it for deeper, more subtle practices like concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana).

How Pratyahara is Practiced

Pratyahara is not just a mental exercise; it is supported by the physical and breath practices of the preceding limbs. A steady posture (Asana) and controlled breathing (Pranayama) are essential for creating the stable physical and energetic foundation needed for the senses to turn inward.

5th Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Pranayama (Breath Regulation)

The purpose of Pranayama is to refine prana through measured breathing, preparing the mind for meditation.

The term Pranayama is a compound of two Sanskrit words: prana, which means "life force" or "vital energy," and ayama, which means "extension" or "expansion." Therefore, Pranayama is the method of extending and controlling the life force within the body.

In Ghatastha Yoga, the physical practices of Asana (postures) and Mudra/Bandha (gestures and locks) are designed to prepare the body for the more subtle and energetic work of Pranayama. The primary purpose of this limb is to:

Purify the body's energy channels (nadis): According to yogic philosophy, the free flow of prana is essential for health. Blockages in the nadis can cause physical and mental ailments. Pranayama techniques, particularly those involving breath retention, help to clear these blockages.

Strengthen the nervous system: By controlling the breath, a practitioner can influence the autonomous nervous system, which governs involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion. This leads to a calmer, more stable mind and body.

Balance opposing energies: Pranayama is used to balance the two main energy currents in the body: the solar, active energy (Pingala Nadi) and the lunar, passive energy (Ida Nadi). Harmonizing these energies helps a yogi prepare for meditation.

Core Components of Pranayama

A typical Pranayama technique involves three distinct phases:

Puraka (Inhalation): The controlled, conscious act of breathing in. This process draws in fresh prana.

Kumbhaka (Retention): The holding of the breath. This is a crucial part of the practice, as it allows the prana to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body. It also provides a powerful opportunity to focus the mind.

Rechaka (Exhalation): The controlled, conscious act of breathing out, which expels stale air and toxins from the body.

In Gheranda Samhita describes 8 types of pranayama - 

1. Sahitakumbhaka
2. Surya-bheda
3. Ujjayi
4. Sitali
5. Bhastrika
6. Bhramari
7. Murchha
8. Kebalee

6th Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Dhyana (Meditation)

The purpose of Dhyana is to unbroken flow of attention toward the chosen object (breath, mantra, light, or awareness itself).

 Its sixth limb is Dhyana (meditation), which is a state of deep, effortless contemplation. Unlike its counterpart, Dharana (concentration), which involves a conscious effort to focus the mind, Dhyana is a natural and continuous flow of awareness toward the object of meditation.

The Gheranda Samhita describes three types of Dhyana:

1. Sthula Dhyana 
2. Jyotir Dhyana
3. Sukshma Dhyana

Sthula Dhyana (Gross Meditation): This is for beginners and involves meditating on a physical or gross form, such as the image of a deity (Ishta Devata) or a guru. The practitioner visualizes this form with all its details to bring the mind to a single point of focus.

Jyotir Dhyana (Luminous Meditation): This type of meditation focuses on a luminous form or light, such as the light of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) or a flickering flame. It is considered a hundred times more powerful than Sthula Dhyana and is meant to awaken the spiritual centers (chakras) within the body.

Sukshma Dhyana (Subtle Meditation): This is the most advanced form of Dhyana, where the object of meditation is a subtle, internal form like the Kundalini energy or the Self (Atman). The mind, having been trained by the previous two stages, can now merge with the subtle object of contemplation.

Among these, subtle meditation is considered to be the best meditation.

7th Limb of Ghatastha Yoga: Samadhi (Absorption)

The purpose of Samadhi is to Non-dual absorption—the practitioner abides in clarity and stillness. In the Gheranda Yoga Shastra, samadhi emerges from the body-purified, breath-refined, and mind-stilled pathway—not as a forced state, but as a natural culmination.

In Ghatastha Yoga, Samadhi is the seventh and final limb, representing the ultimate state of spiritual absorption. It's the culmination of all the preceding practices, where the yogi's consciousness merges with the Supreme Soul (Paramatman) and transcends all worldly awareness. Unlike other yoga systems, the Gheranda Samhita details six distinct types of Samadhi, each achieved through a specific practice.

The Six Types of Samadhi in the Gheranda Samhita

1. Dhyana Samadhi
2. Nada Samadhi 
3. Rasananda Samadhi 
4. Layasiddhi Samadhi 
5. Bhakti Yoga Samadhi
6. Raja Yoga Samadhi

Dhyana Samadhi (Meditative Absorption): Achieved through Shambhavi Mudra, this state arises when the mind, after intense meditation, sees the Brahman (the ultimate reality) and becomes absorbed in perpetual bliss.

Nada Samadhi (Absorption through Sound): This is attained through Bhramari Kumbhaka (a breathing technique that produces a humming sound). By internally listening to this unstruck sound (Anahad Nada), the yogi's mind becomes completely absorbed in it, leading to a state of profound happiness.

Rasananda Samadhi (Absorption through Blissful Taste): This state is reached by practicing Khecari Mudra, where the tongue is turned back to touch the nasal cavity. The practice leads to a blissful sensation that the mind becomes absorbed in, eliminating the need for other yogic practices.

Layasiddhi Samadhi (Absorption through Dissolution): This is achieved through Yoni Mudra, where the yogi identifies with Shakti (divine energy) uniting with Purusha (consciousness), leading to a state of non-duality and bliss.

Bhakti Yoga Samadhi (Absorption through Devotion): Attained by contemplating one's personal deity (Ishta Devata) with intense devotion, which leads to a state of ecstasy and trance.

Raja Yoga Samadhi (Absorption through Royal Union): Considered the highest form, it is achieved through Mano Murccha Kumbhaka, a breath retention technique that causes the mind to merge with the Atman (the individual soul), leading to a state of complete detachment from the body and worldly consciousness.

In essence, Samadhi in Ghatastha Yoga is not just a single state but a multi-faceted goal, offering various paths to the same end: liberation and union with the divine.