घेरण्ड संहिता (महर्षि घेरण्ड - सप्ताङ्ग हठयोग सटीक)

x INTRODUCTION The seven chapters correspond to the seven means of perfecting the person. Each chapter teaches a group of techniques that, when mastered, will lead to one of the seven means listed in verse 1.9. The first chapter describes six types of cleansing techniques by which puri- fication, the first means to perfecting the person, can be achieved. The second chapter describes thirty-two asanas by which strength, the second means, is attained. In the third chapter Gheranda teaches twenty-five mudras, which lead to steadiness, the third means. The fourth chapter describes five techniques for pratyahara, which brings about calmness, the fourth means. The fifth chapter starts with instructions on where the yogi should live, what he or she should eat, and at what time of year yogic practice should be started. It then lists ten kinds of pranayama, the practice of which leads to lightness, the fifth means. The sixth chapter describes three types of dhyana, using which the yogi can achieve realization of the self, the sixth means. Finally, in the seventh chapter, Gheranda teaches six types of samadhi, which lead to abstraction, the ultimate means of perfecting the person.¹ Like the other root texts of Hatha Yoga, the Gheranda Samhita does not concern itself with yama and niyama, the restraints and observances that make up the first two limbs of classical Yoga. It is unique in devoting an entire chapter ¹In verse 7.6, it is said that Raja Yoga is of six types. Many commentators equate Raja Yoga with the classical Yoga of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, but in texts on Hatha Yoga it means samadhi, rather than a separate type of Yoga.