Asanas in the Gheranda Samhita: Techniques, Benefits, and Precautions in the Context of Indian Philosophy
🕉️ Introduction
The Gheranda Samhita, composed in the 17th century CE, is one of the three principal Hatha Yoga texts, alongside the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Shiva Samhita. Attributed to Sage Gheranda, this text presents a holistic and systematic approach to yoga through a sevenfold path (Saptanga Yoga). Unlike the more popular Ashtanga (eight-limbed) system of Patanjali, the Gheranda Samhita emphasizes physical and spiritual purification as a prerequisite for self-realization (moksha).
Among its seven limbs, Asana is considered the second step—essential for strength, vitality, and meditative stability. This article explores the asanas described in the Gheranda Samhita, including their techniques, benefits, and precautions, within the broader landscape of Indian philosophy.
1. Asanas in the Gheranda Samhita: Textual Insights
🔷 Textual Context
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Chapter: 2 (Dvitīya Upadesha)
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Verses: 1–36
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Asanas Described: 32 in total, offering one of the earliest compilations of classical yoga postures.
Verse 2.1:
"Asanāni tu tānyuktāni śarīrasya sthiratvataḥ |
Asane dridatā labdhvā tataḥ syāt sādhanaṃ śubham."
(“Asanas are taught for the firmness of the body; when stability is attained, higher practices can be undertaken.”)
2. Techniques of Selected Asanas
🔹 Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose)
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Technique: Place the left heel under the perineum and the right heel above the genitals. Hands rest on the knees.
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Purpose: Excellent for meditation and breath retention.
🔹 Kukkutasana (Rooster Pose)
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Technique: Sit in Padmasana, thread the arms through the legs and lift the body on the palms.
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Purpose: Builds arm strength and balance.
🔹 Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)
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Technique: Place palms on the floor, elbows in the belly, and balance the body forward.
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Purpose: Enhances digestion and tones abdominal organs.
🔹 Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
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Technique: Lie prone, grasp ankles, and arch backward.
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Purpose: Strengthens spine, enhances flexibility.
🔹 Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
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Technique: Sit with legs extended and bend forward to hold the feet.
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Purpose: Stimulates digestive fire and calms the mind.
🌿 3. Benefits of Asanas in Indian Philosophical Context
🧠 A. Physical and Pranic Purification
In Sankhya and Yoga philosophy, the body is the instrument (yantra) through which the soul (Purusha) evolves. Asanas purify this instrument.
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Enhances circulation, strength, and flexibility
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Removes tamas (inertia), cultivating sattva (clarity)
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Supports pranic balance, essential for pranayama and mudra
Verse 2.3: “By mastering asana, the yogi gains steadiness and strength.”
🧘♀️ B. Mental Stability and Emotional Balance
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Facilitates pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
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Prepares for dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption)
🕊️ C. Spiritual Progression
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Seen as a spiritual discipline (tapas) in Vedanta and Shaiva traditions
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By mastering the body, the ego is transcended, and inner awareness emerges
4. Precautions and Ethical Guidelines
❗ Physical Precautions
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Avoid after eating or during illness
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Certain asanas (like Mayurasana) are contraindicated for those with hernias, ulcers, or hypertension
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Use proper alignment to prevent strain
❗ Mental & Lifestyle Discipline
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Practice under guru’s guidance
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Follow mitāhāra (moderate, sattvic diet) as emphasized in Chapter 5
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Combine asana with moral restraint (yama/niyama) for full benefits
Verse 2.4:
“Asana without self-discipline is like a ship without a rudder.”
5. Summary Table: Asana Approach in Gheranda Samhita
Aspect | Details |
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Number of Asanas | 32 classical postures |
Primary Goals | Steadiness, strength, preparation for higher limbs of yoga |
Unique Feature | Part of a sevenfold system (Saptanga Yoga), not Patanjali’s Ashtanga model |
Philosophical Context | Rooted in Sankhya, Vedanta, Tantra, and Shaiva Yoga traditions |
Ultimate Aim | Use body as a vessel (ghata) for achieving Brahma-jnana (self-realization) |
6. References
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Gheranda Samhita, Translated by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Bihar School of Yoga
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Gheranda Samhita, Kaivalyadhama Lonavala – Sanskrit edition with commentary
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Georg Feuerstein – The Yoga Tradition
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Swami Sivananda – Fourteen Lessons on Raja Yoga
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Mallinson, James – Roots of Yoga (for textual cross-comparison)
7. Conclusion
The Gheranda Samhita’s presentation of asanas reflects a deeply integrated vision of the human body and soul, grounded in Indian philosophical ideals. Asanas are not for external performance but for internal purification, energetic harmony, and spiritual ascent. In following the saptanga path, a practitioner shapes not only the body but the very essence of consciousness, preparing to merge with the Supreme Self (Brahman).