Shodhana Kriyas in Gheranda Samhita: Techniques, Benefits, and Precautions

Shodhana Kriyas in Gheranda Samhita: Techniques, Benefits, and Precautions in the Context of Indian Philosophy

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🕉️ Introduction

In Indian philosophy, the purification of body, breath, and mind is seen as foundational to the path of self-realization (moksha). The Gheranda Samhita, composed in the 17th century CE, is a seminal classical text of Hatha Yoga that introduces a sevenfold path known as Saptanga Yoga. The very first limb of this path is Shodhana (purification), which underscores the spiritual significance of a clean vessel (ghata) for yogic discipline.

This text presents six shodhana kriyas—collectively known as Shatkarma—as essential preliminary practices to enable the awakening of prana, stabilization of the mind, and ultimate realization of the Atman (Self).

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1. Shodhana Kriyas in Gheranda Samhita: Philosophical Foundation

🔷 Verse Reference – Gheranda Samhita 1.9:

“Shodhanaṃ dr̥ḍhatā caiva sthiratā dhairyam eva ca |
Lāghavaṃ pratyāhāraś ca dhyānaṃ caiva samādhi ca ||”
(“Purification, strength, firmness, patience, lightness, sense withdrawal, meditation, and absorption—these are the limbs of Ghatayoga.”)

Purification is thus the first and fundamental step toward transformation in the yogic journey.

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2. The Six Shodhana Kriyas: Techniques & Interpretation

🔶 1. Dhauti (Cleansing of the Digestive Tract)

• Types: Vamana (vomiting), Vastra (cloth swallowing), Danta (teeth), Jihva (tongue), Karna (ears), Antra (intestine)

• Technique:

  • Vastra Dhauti: Swallowing a long strip of cloth and pulling it out to clean the esophagus.

  • Vamana Dhauti: Drinking warm saline water and voluntarily vomiting it out.

• Purpose: Remove ama (toxins), balance kapha dosha.

• Philosophical Link: Prepares the manomaya kosha (mental sheath) by removing tamas (inertia).

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🔶 2. Basti (Lower Abdominal Cleansing)

• Technique: Water is introduced through the anus into the colon, either using a tube or by sitting in water.

• Purpose: Purifies the large intestine and stimulates apana vayu.

• Spiritual Relevance: Activates the mūlādhāra chakra, essential for kundalini awakening.

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🔶 3. Neti (Nasal Cleansing)

• Types: Jala Neti (water-based), Sutra Neti (thread-based)

• Technique:

  • Passing saline water or thread through the nostrils to clear nasal passages.

• Purpose: Clears sinuses, enhances respiration, stimulates ajna chakra.

• Philosophical Significance: Improves pranic intake and mental clarity, essential for dhyana.

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🔶 4. Trataka (Steady Gazing)

• Technique: Fix gaze without blinking at an object (like a candle flame) until tears flow.

• Purpose: Strengthens the eyes, improves focus, and develops dharana (concentration).

• Vedantic Insight: Aims to still vrittis (mental fluctuations), aligning with Patanjali’s definition of yoga.

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🔶 5. Nauli (Abdominal Churning)

• Technique: Isolate and roll abdominal muscles using uddiyana bandha during breath retention.

• Purpose: Massages digestive organs, increases agni (digestive fire).

• Energetic Value: Activates manipura chakra, balancing emotions and willpower.

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🔶 6. Kapalabhati (Frontal Brain Cleansing)

• Technique: Series of forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations.

• Purpose: Clears nasal passages and revitalizes the brain.

• Philosophical Alignment: Supports sattva guna (clarity) by removing mental dullness.

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3. Benefits of Shodhana Kriyas in the Context of Indian Philosophy

Dimension	Impact
Physical Body	Detoxification, improved digestion, respiratory health, and vitality
Pranic Body	Enhanced flow of prana through cleared nadis, especially sushumna
Mental Body	Improved concentration, emotional stability, preparation for meditation (dhyana)
Spiritual Body	Readiness for kundalini awakening, leading to samadhi and moksha

Verse 1.10:
“Shodhana brings cleanliness and radiance to the body, making it fit for the flame of divine wisdom.”

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4. Precautions and Guidelines

❗ General Precautions

• Should be practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher (guru)

• Not advised during illness, pregnancy, or weakness

• Begin only after adopting mitāhāra (moderate, sattvic diet) and daily regimen (dinacharya)

❗ Kriya-Specific Cautions

Kriya	Precaution
Dhauti	Avoid if prone to ulcers or gastritis
Basti	Use sterile methods; not suitable for those with rectal disorders
Neti	Use clean, boiled water; avoid if having nasal injury or recent surgery
Trataka	Not recommended for epilepsy or severe eye issues
Nauli	Avoid in cases of hernia, heart problems, or recent abdominal surgery
Kapalabhati	Caution in hypertension, glaucoma, or vertigo

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🧾 5. Summary Table: Shodhana Kriyas in Gheranda Samhita

Kriya	Function	Subtle Body Effect	Related Chakra
Dhauti	GI tract cleansing	Reduces tamas, purifies annamaya kosha	Manipura, Mooladhara
Basti	Colon cleanse	Stimulates apana, stabilizes energy	Mooladhara
Neti	Nasal cleansing	Enhances breath and mental clarity	Ajna
Trataka	Eye focus training	Strengthens dharana	Ajna
Nauli	Abdominal churning	Enhances digestion, manipura activation	Manipura
Kapalabhati	Brain stimulation via breath	Clears mind, purifies pranic sheath	Sahasrara

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6. References

1. Gheranda Samhita, Trans. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Bihar School of Yoga

2. Kaivalyadhama Edition, Lonavala – Sanskrit text with commentary

3. Georg Feuerstein – The Yoga Tradition

4. Swami Sivananda – Hatha Yoga

5. Dr. M.L. Gharote – Applied Yoga (Kaivalyadhama)

6. Charaka Samhita – Ayurvedic perspective on internal purification

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7. Conclusion

In the Gheranda Samhita, Shodhana Kriyas are not optional—they are essential initiations into the yogic path. Rooted in Indian philosophical systems, they transform the body from a source of bondage to a temple of liberation. Their regular, guided practice opens the doors to higher limbs of yoga, helping the aspirant move from the physical to the spiritual, from impurity to immortality.