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 purification original: śodhana, the first means to perfecting the person, can be achieved. The second chapter describes thirty-two postures original: āsanas by which strength original: dṛḍhatā, the second means, is attained. In the third chapter Gheranda teaches twenty-five seals original: mudrās; gestures or locks used to direct energy, which lead to steadiness original: sthiratā, the third means. The fourth chapter describes five techniques for withdrawal of the senses original: pratyāhāra, which brings about calmness original: dhairyatā, 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 breath control original: prāṇāyāma, the practice of which leads to lightness original: lāghavam, the fifth means. The sixth chapter describes three types of meditation original: dhyāna, using which the yogi can achieve realization of the self original: pratyakṣam; direct perception of the inner self, the sixth means. Finally, in the seventh chapter, Gheranda teaches six types of deep absorption original: samādhi, which lead to abstraction original: nirliptatā; a state of being unattached or untainted by the world, the ultimate means of perfecting the person.¹

Like the other root texts of Hatha Yoga the yoga of physical discipline, the Collection of Gheranda original: Gheranda Saṃhitā does not concern itself with ethical restraints original: yama and personal observances original: 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 Royal Yoga original: Rāja Yoga is of six types. Many commentators equate Royal Yoga with the classical Yoga of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras the foundational aphorisms of classical yoga philosophy, but in texts on Hatha Yoga it means deep absorption original: samādhi, rather than a separate type of Yoga.