The Gheranda Samhita - A Treatise on Hatha Yoga

Sris Chandra Vasu

• Publisher: Newman Press
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9781447402374
• eBook ISBN: 9781447499183
• Subtopic: Sport & Exercise Science

The Gheranda Samhita - A Treatise on Hatha Yoga by Sris Chandra Vasu is an ancient and authoritative text that provides readers with profound insights into the practice of Hatha Yoga, offering guidance on physical postures, breath control, and the path to inner well-being.

The Gheranda Samhita - A Treatise on Hatha Yoga is a classical text that serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to explore the transformative discipline of Hatha Yoga. This work, attributed to the sage Gheranda, is a comprehensive guide to achieving physical and mental harmony through yoga practice.

The book begins by introducing readers to the historical and philosophical context of Hatha Yoga, providing essential background information for understanding its significance. Sris Chandra Vasu's insightful commentary sets the stage for a deeper exploration of this ancient yogic tradition.

Central to the book is the detailed explanation of Hatha Yoga practices and techniques. Readers will find guidance on physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and purification techniques (shatkarmas), all of which contribute to the holistic development of the individual.

Furthermore, the book delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Hatha Yoga, highlighting its role in preparing the practitioner for higher states of consciousness and meditation.

The Gheranda Samhita is not only a manual for yoga practice but also an invitation to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and well-being. It encourages readers to explore the profound teachings of Hatha Yoga, fostering a deeper connection to the body, mind, and spirit.

This book is an invaluable resource for yoga enthusiasts, practitioners of Hatha Yoga, and anyone interested in the ancient science of physical and mental well-being. Sris Chandra Vasu's translation and commentary make this work accessible and relevant for contemporary seekers of inner balance and vitality.

qRqIXopdyS: [

LESSON THE THIRD

AQ mudRfkQnm` [

Gyr<w avfc—

mhfmudRf nBomudRf awuIXfnM jlNDrm` [

mUlbNDo mhfbNDo mhfvyDEc KycrI ] 1]

ivprIqkrI XoinvRjRolI Si>cflnI [

qfwfgI mf<wukI mudRf SfMBvI pHcDfrxf ] 2]

AiEcnI pfiSnI kfkI mfqRgI c BujiRgnI [

pHcivMSiqmudRfEc isiwdf eh Xoignfm` ] 3]

ON MUDRĀS

GHERAṆḌA SAID

There are twenty-five mudrās, the practice of which gives success to the Yogins. They are:

(1) Mahā-mudrā, (2) Nabho-mudrā, (3) Uḍḍīyāna, (4) Jālandhara, (5) Mūlabandha, (6) Mahābandha, (7) Mahāvedha, (8) Khecarī, (9) Viparītakaraṇī, (10) Yoni, (11) Vajrolī, (12) S'akticālanī, (13) Tādāgī, (14) Māṇḍukī, (15) Sāṁbhavī, (16) Pañcadhāraṇā (five dhāraṇās), (21) As'vinī, (22) Pās'inī, (23) Kākī, (24) Mātaṅgī, and (25) Bhujaṅginī (1—3)

AQ mudRfxfM PlkQnm` [

mudRfxfM ptlM dyiv kiQqM qv sMinDO [

Xyn ivDfqmfZyx svRisiw: pRjfXqy ] 4]

gopnIXM pRXqyRn n dyXM XSX kSXicq` [

pRIiqdM XoignfM cYv dulRBM m{qfmip ] 5]

THE ADVANTAGES OF PRACTISING MUDRĀS

Mahes'vara, when addressing his consort, has recited the advantages of Mudrās in these words: “O Devi! I have told you all the Mudrās; their knowledge leads to adeptship. It should be kept secret with great care, and should not be taught indiscriminately to every one. This gives happiness to the Yogins, and is not to be easily attained by the maruts (gods of air) even.” (4—5)

AQ mhfmudRfkQnm` [

pfXumUlM vfmguLPy sMpIw) _WXqRq: [

XfMXpfdM pRsfXfRQ kropfTqpdfR`guil: ] 6]

k<TsMkocnM kRTvf BRuvomR%XM inrIzXyq` [

mhfmudRfiBDf mudRf kQXqy cYv sUiriB: ] 7]

(1) MAHĀ-MUDRĀ

Pressing carefully the anus by the left heel, stretch the right leg, and take hold of the toes by the hands; contract the throat (not exhaling), and fix the gaze between the eye-brows. This is called Mahā-mudrā by the wise. (6—7)

AQ mhfmudRfPlkQnm` [

zXkfsgudfvqRPlIhfjIxR^vrM qQf [

nfSXyTsvRrogfMEc mhfmudRf c sfDnfm` ] 8]

Its benefits

The practice of Mahā-mudrā cures consumption, the obstruction of the bowels, the enlargement of the spleen, indigestion and fever—in fact it cures all diseases. (8)

AQ nBomudRfkQnm` [

XZ XZ iSQqo Xoig svRkfXyR>u svRdf [

}QvRij(: iSQro BUTvf DfrXyTpvnM sdf [

nBomudRf Bvydy>f XoignfM rognfiSnI ] 9]

(2) NABHO-MUDRĀ

In whatever business a Yogin may be engaged, wherever he may be, let him always keep his tongue turned upwards (towards the soft palate), and restrain the breath. This is called Nabho-mudrā; it destroys the diseases of the Yogins. (9)

AQ awuIXfnbND: [

adry piEcmM qfnM nfmy}QvRM qu kfrXyq` [

awuInM ku{qy XSmfdivEffNqM mhfKg: [

awuIXfnM TvsO bNDo mRTXumfqRgkysrI ] 10]

(3) UḌḌĪYĀNA-BANDHA

Contract the bowels equably above and below the navel towards the back, so that the abdominal viscera may touch the back. He who practises this Uḍḍīyāna (Flying up), without ceasing, conquers death. [The Great Bird (Breath), by this process, is instantly forced up into the Suṣumṇā, and flies (moves) constantly therein only.] (10)

AQ aw`wIXfnbNDSX PlkQnm` [

smgRfd` bNDnfw)yqduw`wIXfnM iviSZXqy [

aw`wIXny smBXSqy mui>: SvfBfivkI Bvyq` ] 11 ]

Its benefits

Of all Bandhas, this is the best. The complete practice of this makes emancipation easy. (11)

AQ jflNDrbNDkQnm` [

k<TsMkocnM kRTvf icbukM (dXy NXsyq` [

jflNDry kRqy bNDy >owSfDfrbNDnm` [

jflNDrmhfmudRf mRTXoEc zXkfir...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Foreword
• Lesson First
• Lesson the Second
• Lesson the Third
• Lesson the Fourth
• Lesson the Fifth
• Lesson the Sixth
• Lesson the Seventh