An Overview of Hatha Yogic Practices in Hatha yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and  Shiva Samhita

 

 

ABSTRACT:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a  very important  Hatha yoga manual. Similarly, there are other two vital Hatha yoga books, namely Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita which are very useful till date. Swami Svatmaram (15th century C.E) was the author of Hatha Yoga Pradipika.The text contains different Hatha yogic practices in four chapters. The other text Gheranda Samhita  (late 17th-century) serves the purpose of an encyclopedia on Hatha yoga. The seven fold yoga of Gheranda Samhita  is unique which can not be found in other Hatha yoga books. There are seven chapters in the text and the text  focuses on the ṣaṭkarmas.That is the reason the text is sometimes known as a book of “Ghatastha yoga”. Apart from Gheranda Samhita the other texts of Hatha yoga are Shiva Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Shiva Samhita is a comprehensive Hatha yogic text explained in a democratic manner. James Mallinson is of the opinion that Shiva Samhita must have been composed before 1,500 CE . The Author of this text is unknown till date. Various Hatha yogic practices have been incorporated in this text in five chapters. In this article authors have tried to present an overview of the practices in these three texts in a summarized manner.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

“Hatha Yoga Pradipika” or “Light on Hatha Yoga” is a famous text on Hatha yoga which was written by Swami Svatmarama .Swami Svatmarama was a disciple of Swami Gorakhnath.The time of composition of the text may  be around fifteenth century. Like Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita, it is also one classic treatise on Hatha yoga.Svatmarama synthesized the older Sanskrit concepts in his text.The text is based on asanas and pranayama,mudra,banddha and sound meditation techniques.Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists 35 earlier Hatha yoga masters, including Adinatha,Matsyendranatha and Goraksanatha etc. At least a collection of eight works has contributed to the formation of Hatha Yoga Pradipika says James Mallinson.

 

According to Jan Birch, Hatha Yoga Pradipika has drawn many extracts from various yogic texts of different systems of yoga.

 

Gheranda Samhita  was composed in late 17th-century text which serves as an encyclopedia on Hatha yoga. It is nothing but a  yogic manual delivered by sage Gheranda to disciple Chanda Kapali.Gheranda Samhita describes of a sevenfold yoga, which is not available in other Hatha yogic texts.

 

Those practices are: Shatkarma, Asana, Madras, Pratyahara, Pranayama, Dhyana and Samādhi . There are seven chapters in the text Gheranda samhita and the ṣaṭkarmas (shatkarma) are given priority. It is a text of “Ghatastha yoga” where as Patanjali yoga sutra gives a description of an eightfold path (yama and niyama instead of shatkarma, mudra, and inclusion of dharana). Concept of samadhi and methods in Gheranda Samhita is also different than of Patanjali’s system..

 

Shiva Samhita is a classical text on Hatha yoga like Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.The author of this book is not yet identified.The text is presented in form of an address by the  Hindu god Shiva to his consort Parvati ."Shiva Samhita" has the English meaning as "Shiva's Compendium". This text might have been written in the 17th^[ or 18th century as per the view of some scholars. However, James Mallinson is of the opinion that, the text  must have been composed before 1,500 CE .

 

Mallinson gives the opinion that  Shiva Samhita might have been written in a place in or around Varanasi. According to Mallinson Shiva Samhita is a book on yoga teaching as well as on Tantra.

·      Shiva Samhita describes the complex physiology of body.Out of 84 different asanas only four are described in detail.

·      It deals with description of five types of prana, and their regulation methods.

·      The text includes Yogic philosophy,  mudras ,meditation and certain  tantric practices too..

·      It tells that a common householder also can do yoga and get benefit from it.

·      Different processes of liberation including philosophical analyses are dealt in first chapter.

·      The nadis, inner fire and jiva are the main theme in chapter second.

·      The third chapter contains the winds in the body, the importance of the guru, four stages of the Yoga, five elemental visualizations and four asanas in detail.

·      The fourth chapter describes the eleven mudras that can result in yogic attainments.

·      The fifth chapter (longest and most diverse) describes obstacles to the liberation, four categories of aspirants, shadow gazing process, esoteric centres, internal sound, seven lotuses,energies in the body (the kundalini), “king of kings of yogas" along with a global mantra.

 

Kaivalya Dham Yoga Research Institute published its first critical punlication in 1999 . The new translation of Mallinson is based on this critical publication of Kaivalya Dham

 

Ha means sun and tha means moon as per the opinion of some scholars. Hatha yoga practice harmonizes Pingala Nadi  and Ida Nadi in the body  or the solar (Surya) and lunar (Chandra) energies within us to elevate to a level of higher consciousness. Some scholars are of the opinion that Hatha yoga has been originated from the  Nath yogi tradition of Shaivism. The prominent Hatha yogic texts include: Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmaram, Goraksha Shatakam, Goraksha Samhita, Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati of  Gorakhnath, Gherand Samhita of sage Gheranda, Yoga Taravali of Adi Shankaracharya, Hatha Ratnavali of Srinivasa Bhatta Mahayogendra, Shiva Samhita etc.Hatha is meant for  balancing the Moon  and Sun energies in us. It is nothing but a science which activates the third, central nerve channel- Sushumna - which is the path to attain enlightenment. The Hatha yogis practice focuses on control over the physical body and its  functions.

 

STUDY  OF  TEXT  HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a unique work on Hatha Yoga  by  Swami Svatmaram (15th century C.E.)

After salutation to Shiva, Svatmarama  begins the  first chapter.

 

He expresses his deep gratitude to the sages of the past (Matsyendra, Goraksha etc.) who became immortal through practice of yoga  and are still able to  roam in  this Universe. Svatmarama tells that the purpose of Hatha Yoga is to achieve success in Raja Yoga.

 

CHAPTER 1:

Asanas: 

Interest, open mindedness, courage, knowledge, truth  along with solitude bring success to a yoga practitioner. Excess talkativeness, over consumption of food, physical exertion, too much company of people, restlessness and involvement in unnecessary rituals are the reasons behind the failure of a yoga practitioner. A yogi who observes celibacy, is moderate in consuming food, detached and persevering in yoga will be successful within a year. The best diet is a moderate diet which is pleasant, soothing and sweet.

 

 

 

 

Foods to be avoided:

Following types of food should be avoided.- Bitter, Sour, Spicy, Oily, Green leafy vegetables, Sesame seeds, Alcohol, Mustard, Meat, Asafetida, Garlic, Salty, Dry, Stale and Reheated

 

A yogi should avoid the following thing-Travel, Company of bad people, Early morning baths and any procedures that might harm the body.

 

Favorable foods:

Wheat, Rice, Barley, Milk, Ghee, Sugar, Mung  and Beans are favourable foods for a yoga practitioner.

 

Everybody irrespective of young or old, weak or strong can get benefits from the practice of Hatha Yoga. One who practices will only be successful in yoga.One cannot be successful in yoga by merely talking about it, reading about it or by wearing attractive dresses. Success in yoga comes only by practice.

 

Swami Svatmaram have suggested following postures in his text Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Swastikasan,Gomukhasan (Cow Pose), Virasana, Kurmasan (TortoisePose), Kukkutasan, Uttankurmasan, Dhanurasan (BowPose), Matsyendra Asan, Paschimottan  Asan, Mayurasan (Peacock Pose), Shavasana (Corpse Pose).

 

Out of the 84 asans taught by Lord Shiva, Svatmaram explains the 4 most important ones as follows:

·        Siddhasana (Vajrasan, Muktasan, and Guptaasan)

·        Padmasan (Lotus Pose)

·        Simha Asan (Singha Asan, Lion Pose)

·        Bhadraasan (Gorakshasan, Baddha Kona asana). This asana  destroys  all diseases.

 

CHAPTER 2:

Pranayam:

This chapter deals with Pranayam which should be performed only after achieving control over the asanas/poses. The mind and breath interlink is a well known fact. A steady breath ensures calmness of mind and a calm mind helps stabilizing the breath. Therefore, mastery over the breath is essential to control the mind. Breath can not flow through the sushumna (the vital nadi in the astral body)when nadis are full of impurities,So  being in a sattvic (pure, virtuous) state of mind , practice of pranayama is essential.

 

In the pose of Padmasan the yogi has to sit and start inhaling through the left nostril.Retaining as per  capacity, the exhalation should be done through the right nostril. Then inhaling through the right nostril, retaining the breath as per capacity, the yogi has to exhale through the left nostril. There should be no forceful exhalation. If a yogi performs practice in this way for three months his nadis will be definitely purified. A correct way of practice of pranayam will help recover a person from diseases, whereas a faulty way of practice will create body disorders like cough, asthma, headaches, ear aches, pain in eyes etc. may arise due to trouble with air (Vayu). So one must be cautious when doing inhalation and exhalation. An individual having purified nadis will have a lean structure and bright appearance.Purification of nadis leads to good health.Fatty persons and persons with problem of phlegm are advised to practice pranayama after the performance of shatkarmas. However, some scholars do not support Shatkarmas as preparatory practices and view that Pranayam is self sufficient to destroy all impurities.

 

Practice of kumbhakas bestows various psychic powers. Kumbhakas are of eight types which are described below.

 

Kumbhaka known as Suryabhedana has the effect of cleansing, destroying bacteria in the sinuses and vata/vayu related diseases like asthma, hiccups, arthritis Another one kumbhaka, known as Ujjayi can be done while walking or standing. It is famous for removing all phlegm related throat diseases and also increases digestive fire. The third type kumbhaka is Sheetkari which removes diseases, lethargy, hunger and thirst. Shitali, the fourth one destroys fever, pitta disorders, cures enlargement of spleen and removes toxins. Bhastrika kumbhaka is the fifth type of kumbhaka which destroys disorders of the Vayu, kapha and pitta (wind, phlegm, bile elements or air, water and fire elements). It helps in awakening kundalini. The sixth type of kumbhaka Bhramari is known as promoting  bliss.The seventh type of kumbhaka, Murcha is helpful in promoting happiness and clarity of mind.The last one kumbhaka Plavini makes one to float in water

 

Inhalation, retention and exhalation are the three components of pranayama. Kumbhaka is of two categories - Sahita and Kevala. Sahita is that which is with inhalation and exhalation and that without inhalation or exhalation is called Kevala (alone). After gaining mastery in Sahita, it is advised to attempt Kevala kumbhaka. Practice of Kevala kumbhaka stimulates kundalini awakening which in turn makes the sushumna nadi open in the course of practice.A person having been purified and successful in Hatha Yoga will have significant body changes. His body will become lean and he will have  clear eyes and glowing face.He will hear Anahat nada and have an  increased appetite due to increase digestive fire.

 

CHAPTER 3:

Mudras:

As per Lord Shiva there exist ten Mudras, which are beneficial in destroying death and old age.

There are eight siddhis achieved by the successful practioner of these mudras. The siddhis are summarized as follows:

·      One can be able to become small, big, too light and too heavy.

·      He may be capable to reach very high.

·      One may gain the power of becoming  invisible.

·      One achieves the capacity of taming animals and mesmerizing people.

·      He may gain godlike qualities.

 

Precaution:

One should practice the mudras only under expert guidance.

 

The ten mudras are and their benefits are mentioned below.

1)  Mahamudra-This mudra cure diseases like leprosy.Consumption and digestive disorders are removed by practice of this mudra.The yogi may have the ability to become smaller.

2) Mahabandha- Practice of this  makes one win over death. Smaller body size can be attained.

3) Mahavedha-Practice of this mudra removes the problem of gray hair, wrinkles.It makes a person able to become small if he wants.

4) Khechari-This mudra discards body toxins and poisons, cure diseases, removes old age, gives victory over death.

5) Uddiyan-The practice of this Bandha   destroys old age, helps one to conquer death.

6) Mulabandha-The practice of this Bandha destroys old age. Digestive fire is improved and kundalini gets awakened.

7) Jalandhar Bandha-The practice of this Bandha destroys all throat related diseases, removes old age and gives victory over death.

8) Viparitkarani- This is a unique mudra, which destroys wrinkles, gray hair, removes old age within 6 months of practice.

9) Vajroli-It is a rare practice by which a yogi is able to conquer death.

10) Shaktichalan

 

CHAPTER 4

Samadhi is the ultimate mean to get freedom from death and gain bliss and happiness.

The other names of Samadhi are as follows:

Raja Yoga, Manonmani, Unmani, Laya, Amaratva,  shunyashunyam, Parampadam, Advaitam, Aamanaskam, Niralamban, Jivanmukti, Niranjanam, Turya and  Sahaja .

 

Similar to the dissolution of salt in water, samadhi stands for the unity of Atman and mind at Samadhi stage. At this stage of unity all thoughts disappear and the jivatma becomes one and integrated with the paramatama.Samadhi is the stage achieved while the flow of Prana continues through the sushumna.Control over the breath brings control over the mind. The two causative factors of the mind are desire and breath. As milk and water assimilate and become one, similarly mind and breath are brought into unity in action. They follow each other and go hand in hand.Suspension of one leads to suspension of the other. The mind is the controller of the senses, whereas the breath is the controller of the mind. If the mind is stable, the breath is also stable.There are two mudras i.e. Shambhavi mudra and Khecahri mudra, the practice of which lead to unmani.One can quickly attain unmani by practice of  Shambhavi mudra.

 

In Shambhavi mudra, the eyes should be half closed and gaze should be fixed on the tip of the nose.

The four stages of Samadhi are: Arambha, Ghata, Parichaya, Nishpatti

 

First stage:

Brahma granthi gets pierced resulting in  bliss .One can hear a  tinkling sound in the body.

A divine body, full of brilliance and fragrance having no diseases is attained.

 

Second stage:

When Vishnu granthi is split, a sound like that of kettle drums originating from the vishuddhi (throat) chakra will be heard.

 

Third stage:

In this stage  one can hear the sound of drums. It is the time of breath entering  the Ajna (third eye) chakra. Old age, misery and diseases do not affect the yogi any more. Hunger and sleep do not affect him any more.

 

 

Final stage(Nispatti):

Rudra granthi gets pierced at this phase and one hears  sounds of a flute and Veena. Indescribable bliss is achieved by practice of  nada. It is necessary  for the yogi to concentrate on the sound which is heard when he  closes his ears with his hands. He will attain success after 15 days. There will be loud sounds in the beginning stage. Further development in practice will enable him  to hear very subtle sounds.

 

Sounds heard in the initial stages:

Ocean, Cloud, Kettle drum, Jharjhara

 

Sounds heard in the middle stages:

Drum conch together, Bell and drum,

 

Sounds heard in the final stages:

Tinkling bell, Flute, Veena and Bee

The yogi should attempt to hear past the loud sounds and focus on the subtle sounds only.There should be the dissolution of the mind in the sound. Mind should not be oriented towards any external objects. Concentration on nada dissolves all accumulated sins. The yogi successful in attaining Samadhi escapes the consumption by time (death) and not bound by karma. Smell, taste, touch, form, sound and even  himself do not affect him. He is unaffected by heat, cold, sadness and happiness.Honor and dishonor do not affect him . People,  weapons, mantras and Yantras can’t hurt him.

 

STUDY OF TEXT GHERAND  SAMHITA:

CHAPTER1

Gherand Samhita is one of the classic texts in yoga like Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Siva Samhita

It is in the form of a conversation between disciple Chanda Kapali and sage Gheranda in which Chanda Kapali requested Gheranda to give him wisdom  of Yoga which would help him to gain  knowledge of the tattvaas.

 

The sage says that  the fetters like those of illusion is never found.Similarly, strength like that of yoga also nowhere available. A friend better than knowledge and enemy greater than ego also found no where. One by learning the alphabet, can be able to read ,similarly by practicing yoga one may be able to gain the knowledge of the truth.

 

A brief description on the basis of the translated text of the Gheranda Samhita by Srisa Chandra Vasu is furnished below.

 

The sage Gheranda starts the discussion with subject of karma and rebirth. One’s karma is responsible for his rebirth and once reborn the person again gets caught up in karmas, so it is like a never ending  cycle or wheel. According to the sage purification as well as strengthening of the body are essential. For this purification and strengthening the sage has explained seven types of exercises. The first one is the Purification (exercise) which is done  through the  process of shatkarmas. The second practice is Strengthening (exercise) performed through regular practice of asanas/poses.Similarly, other effects like Steadying, through practice of mudras, Calming, through pratyahar (withdrawal), Lightness of body, through the method of  Pranayam, Perception, through meditation and Isolation through Samadhi are achieved.

 

Purificatory:

(By following the shat karmas)

A Dhauti (4 types)

I  Antardhauti (internal cleansing)

1  Vatasara (wind purification),

2 Varisara (water purification),

3  Vahnisara (process of fire purification),

4 Bahiskrita,

II Dantadhauti which involves the purification of

Teeth, root of the tongue, Both ears, frontal sinuses

III Hridayadhauti (process of heart cleaning) which is done by using sticks, vomiting and cloth.

IV Mulashodhana (process of rectal cleaning)

 

B Basti (2 types)

i. Jala or water Basti (A Basti Kriya done in water),

ii. Sthala or dry basti ( A Basti Kriya of dry nature)

 

C Practice of Neti Kriya

 

D Practice of Laukiki

 

E Gazing or Trataka practice which is an eye exercise that cures all eye diseases and induces clairvoyance.

 

F Kapalbhati (3 types), the practice of which removes all phlegm (kapha) related disorders

i.     Vat krama (which involves alternate nostril breathing without force and without retention).

ii.    Practice of Vyut karma (which involves method of  drawing in water through nasal passages and  letting it out  through the mouth)

iii.   Practice of Sheet karma (which involves a method of drinking water through the mouth and letting it out through the nasal passage)

 

CHAPTER 2:

2. Strengthening—Regular practice of asanas/postures will cause strengthening of the body.

 

Depending on the species of living beings there are 840000 asanas as told by Shiva. Eight four asanas are the best and only thirty two are most useful for mankind.

 

Those 32 asanas are:

Siddhasana-Perfect Pose, Padmasana-Lotus Pose, Bhadrasan-Happy Pose, Muktam-Free Pose, Vajram- Adamant Pose, Swastika-Prosperous Pose, Singham- Lion Pose, Gomukh-Cow's mouth Pose, Vira-Hero Paose, Dhanur-Bow Pose, Mritasan, or Shavasan-Corpse pose, Guptam–Hidden Pose, Matsyam–Fish pose, Matsendra-King of Fish Pose, Goraksha, Paschimottan-Forward Bend Pose, Uttkatam, Sankatam -Dangerous pose, Mayuram-Peacock Pose, Kukkutam, Kurma-Tortoise Pose, Uttana Manduka, Uttan Kurmakam, Vriksha-Tree Pose, Manduka-Frog Pose, Garuda - Eagle Pose, Vrisham - Bull Pose, Shalabh- Locust Pose,  Makara - Crocodile Pose, Ushtram-Camel Pose, Bhujangam-Snake Pose and Yoga or Yogasana

 

CHAPTER 3:

3. Steadying- Practice of mudras will have the effect of steadying.

 

Through the practice of the following  mudras, the yogi can win death, decay, old age, diseases. Gherand Samhita  describes the following mudra as enlisted below.

 

Mahamudra, Nabho mudra, Uddiyana Bandha, Jalandhar Bandha, Mula Bandha, Maha Bandha, Mahabheda, Khechari Mudra, Viparitkarni, Yoni Mudra, Vajroni Mudra, Shakti chalani, Tadagi (tank) Mudra, Manduki Mudra, Shambhavi Mudra, Ashwini Mudra, Pasini Mudra, Kaki Mudra and Bhujangini Mudra.

 

There are five dharana mudras by practice of  which a yogi can accomplish anything. His movement will be possible between realms and through space having the  speed  equal to that of mind.

 

Panchadharan (five dharanas):

Parthivi-earthy,Ambhasi-watery,Vayavi-aerial,Agney-fire and Akashi-sky/ethereal

 

 

 

CHAPTER4:

Calming-Calming of mind can be achieved through practice of Pratyahara or dharana or restraining of the mind.

 

Restless mind with too much thought wandering here and there and getting distracted by material objects must be brought under control.

 

Our mind always follows site. The yoga practitioner has to control the mind. Whether it is good speech or bad speech, praise or criticism, good taste or bad taste, good smells or odors, one should always try to withdraw the mind from distractions and control it.

 

CHAPTER 5:

5.Lightness of body–Practice of pranayama brings lightness in the body and one may become godlike. For success in  pranayama following requirements should be ensured.

 

a.     Emphasis should be given on Proper space, Appropriate time, Food of moderate nature and Purification of nadis.

b.    For getting success in Pranayam, place of practice should not be in a foreign land or  in a forest or in a city (because of problem of distraction.

c      The practice place of Pranayama should be at a place  which is free from  insects  and also a  secluded one.

d     Pranayama  should not  commence in summer (May, June), rainy (Jul, Aug), winter (Nov, Dec), frigid cold (Jan, Feb) as there is possibility of  contact with  diseases. For a beginner, the season of Spring (Mar, Apr) or fall (Sept, Oct) are suitable for practice  as one gets success and also does not contact  with any illness.

e.     For achieving success and avoiding  illness,the diet of a yogi should be moderate (mitaahara).

f.     Allowed foods in this context are rice, beans, mung, chickpeas, urhad, wheat, barley, eggplant, cucumber, yam, sago, jackfruit, radish, plantains, figs, foods which are pure, sweet and cooling .

g.     Five green leaves, also are prescribed  which are holy basil (tulsi), parvar leaf, amaranth leaf, Brahmi and lamb’s etc. Food intake should fill the 50% of the stomach. Other portions (¼) should be kept for water, keeping another ¼ empty.

H     One should avoid bitter, acidic, salty and roasted foods. Pumpkins, onions, leafy green vegetables, masur beans, hing (asafetida) etc. should not be consumed in large quantities. Hard to digest, hot and stale foods including the foods of cooling or exciting nature  should be avoided .

i      A yogi should consume ghee, milk, butter, sugar, date, nutmeg, cardamom, dates, pomegranate, rose apple, sweet juices and nourishing, cooling and easily digestible foods.

J      One should avoid early morning baths (before sunrise) and fasting because of their harmful effect on the body. For 3 hours, a yogi may not take food. He is suggested to take meal made of milk and ghee twice a day at noon and in the evening  in the initial stages of practice.

k.    A seats made of kusa grass or tiger skin or antelope skin is suitable for sitting with  face towards the east or north direction. Nadi shuddhi should be done with a calm mind prior to pranayama .

l.     The air is unable to flow through nadis that are blocked with impurities. So prior to performing pranayama one needs to purify these energy nadis.

m.   Two types of purification of nadis  are described ,one is samanu and the other nirmanu. When one does it with Beej mantra we call it samanu, similarly when done in conjunction with dhauti  we call it  nirmanu.

n.    Sitting in padmasan and performing the rituals towards his guru  the yogi should start the nadi purification process.

O     It is prescribed to inhale and mentally chant the beej mantra for air ,i.e. ‘Yung’for 16 counts. while practicing nadisuddhi.

For 64 counts of the mantra breath is with held, following exhalation  for 32 counts. Similar starting  has to be conducted while inhalaing from right nostril and chanting the beej mantra mentally for the fire element i.e.‘rung’ in the similar ratio as  dscribed above.

The gaze should should be focused on the tip of nose .Visualizing the reflection of the moon, it is suggested to inhale while mentally chanting ‘thum’ 16 times and retain the breath 64 times chanting ‘vam’ following exhalation 32 times chanting ‘lam’. At the same time he has to visualize the flow of nectar from the moon  into the nadis. This enables the  purification of  the nadis and makes one prepared  to start practice of pranayam.

P     There are 8 types of Kumbhakas or breath retentions as follows. Sahita, Surya bheda, Ujjayi, Sheetali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murcha and Kevali. Sagarbha and nirgarbha  are two types of sahita kumbhaka.

While sagarbha is performed with repetition of Beej mantra, nirgarbha is done without the repetition of the mantra.

q.    In sahita kumbhaka, the best ratio is (20:80:40) puraka or inhalation, is for 20 secs, kubhaka or retention is for 80 seconds and rechaka or exhalation is for 40 seconds.

The other ratio are  as follows- moderate (16:64:32) and the beginner (12:48:24)

R     There will be profuse sweating if one is successful  in beginner’s pranayam practice. The moderate practice  may give a feeling of quivering (in the spinal cord area), whereas  the best pranayama practice  results in levitation.

S     The practice of Pranayam gives the effects like calmness of mind, recovery from diseases, development of mental faculties, arousal of kundalini,power of  levitation, and achievement of bliss.

T     Suryabheda Pranayam

In this pranayama one has to inhale  through the right nostril, according to capacity. Then he has to retain until perspiration comes forth from the tips of the nails and roots of the hair while performing Jalandhar Bandha.Then he has to exhale smoothly through left nostril.

Death and decay are removed by practice of Suryabheda, bodily fire is enhanced and  awakening of kundalini is also stimulated.

U     Ujjai pranayama

In ujjai one should draw air through both nostrils and  to hold it in the mouth.He  should  also draw in air from the chest and throat and retain it in the mouth followed by Jalandhar Bandha.Breath  should be retained as long as possible. By the practice of Ujjayi helps one gets freedom from of all ailments, decrepitude and death.A different type of Ujjai  is found in Hatha Yoga pradipika.In this type of Ujjai, the mouth is kept  closed .Inhalation should be through both nostrils, constricting the throat muscles as a result a hissing sound is produced. He has to  retain the breath  following  exhalation through Ida  nadi  (left nostril). This Ujjayi practice can be performed while  walking or standing. Practice of ujjai discards  all types of throat diseases,increases digestive fire and removes the diseases of nadis.

V     Shitali pranayama

        In Shitali practice  the tongue is protruded  out and  inhalation is made through the lips and tongue, into the stomach. Holding the breath  for sometime, one needs to exhale  through both the nostrils. This practice  results in removal of   indigestion, phlegm and bile disorders. It also helps in promoting  bliss.

 

 

w.    Bhastrika

In this practice quick inhalation  and exhalation are performed through the nostrils (twenty times) followed by retention  at the end. It destroys all disease  and need to be  performed thrice  a day.

x.    Bhramari Pranayam

This  pranayama should be practiced past midnight  in, there is no animal sounds.It involves inhalation  and retention of  breath while closing the ears with his hands.In the right ear r various sounds  may  be heard as a result of this practice. AT first sound of crickets  will be hears.Then the sound of  flute, thunder, drum, beetle, bells, gongs, trumpets, mridanga  will follow one after the other. At last  anahat sound  is  heard, which comes from the heart. If one becomes successful  bhramari, he  no doubt will be able to  attain Samadhi (union with cosmic consciousness).

Y     Murcha

Murcha pranayama involves holding the breath and focusing the attention in the space within the two eyebrows. Happiness and bliss are achieved by the practice of this pranayama.

z.     Kevala Kumbhaka

In this practice one has to retain  the breath without inhalation and exhalation. The yogi should  inhale  through both nostrils and then retainhis breath. Daily  eight times, once in every 3 hours one has to perform this practice.One may perform it   thrice a day also  i.e. morning, noon and evening. When a yogi becomes successful in kevala kumbhaka, there is nothing which he cannot accomplish in this world. Each and every person makes  the sound ‘so’ at the time of inhalation and ‘hum’ during exhalation of his breath. Sohum or soham has the other name Ajapa Gayatri  (without chanting) as  every individual without being aware, constantly performs it 21,600 times  daily  (15 breaths per minute) The mantra is also known as  Hamsa  or  Hansa. This repetition of mantra  takes place in three places : root chakra, heart chakra and  ajna chakra. Vibration of Sohum and vibration of our breath always match with each other.The word “Sohum”  means, “I am That”. If one mentally chants the mantra, it will help him help to  attain stillness and realize the  true self.

 

CHAPTER6:

6. Perception-through meditation

a   There are three types of Meditation as discussed below.

Sthula (gross), Jyotirmay (luminous) and Suksham (subtle)

These meditations will help the practitioner to  perceive his  true self.

 

b. The process of meditating  on the figure of guru or diety  is gross meditation. Similarly  when Brahma or Prakriti is meditated as a masss of light  called luminous or jyotis meditation. Process of contemplating  on Brahma or Bindu (pair) and kundali force is called suksma or subtle meditation.

 

c. Gross Meditation:

Procedure:

The practice should begin with close the eyes and visualizing an ocean of nectar in the heart. In this ocean, imagine an island made of gemstones, whose sand is made of rubies and crushed diamonds. The island in imagination is flanked by kadamba plants  having flowers of sweet smell. Malati, mallika jati, parijata, champa and padma flowers are also available there. Imagine that every space is filled with fragrance of the above flowers.In the middle of this garden visualise  the kalpa vriksha (wish fulfilling tree) having 4 main branches  that represent 4 vedas (revered Hindu texts) and lot of fruits and  flowers. The sound of bees and cuckoo is heard in your imagination. Visualize a platform  below the tree made of gems. Imagine a throne of precious gemstones is kept on that platform. Imagine yourdiety seated on this throne. Contemplation on  the form, dress, amd ornaments of the  deity has to  be followed now.

We call this as sthula meditation ( gross meditation)

 

d. Luminous Meditation:

In the muladhar chakra ,the kundalini lies in the shape of a coil having   3and 1/2 turns. Here resides the living being (jivatama) like a flame.Direct perception of the soul is possible when the yogi  meditates  on this luminous flame   In shambhavi mudra,  fixing   the gaze  at  bright   ‘OM’, the third eye,in between the eyebrows without blinking,  one can  perform subtle meditation.Subtle meditation is  superior to luminous meditation.Similarly luminous meditation is  considered   superior in comparison to  gross meditation.

 

e. Subtle Meditation:

By fixing the gaze  at  radiant  ‘OM’, the third eye, without any blinking , Sambhabi mudra can be accomplished. Kundalini energy  of a yogi  arises; unites with the soul and leaves the body through the eyes by virtue of good fortune.It is difficult to accomplish subtle or sukhma  meditation.

 

 

CHAPTER 7:

7. Solitude or isolation- Samadhi Yoga will help to accomplish solitude.

 

a. If a person is very fortunate and the  grace of the guru is with him,he can achieve Samadhi yoga. Person  who is devoted to guru  with confidence  will be able to achieve Samadhi yoga.Person whose mind is open to  intelligence and who has  knowledge and faith in   guru and himself, will be able to achieve Samadhi yoga. Separation of the mind from the body and its union with the supreme soul confers mukti (liberation) or Samadhi. Realisation that  “I” am intelligence, existence and bliss then comes automatically.

 

b.There are 6 types of  Samadhi

Those are  Dhyana Samadhi , Nada Samadhi, Rasananda Samadhi , Laya Samadhi ,Bhakti Yoga Samadhi,Raja Yoga Samadhi( Unmani or Sahajawastha Samadhi)

·        Dhyana Samadhi (meditation samadhi) is accomplished by shambhavi mudra.

·        Nada Samadhi (sound samadhi) is accomplished by bhramari mudra.

·        Rasananda Samadhi (bliss in taste) is  accomplished by khechari mudra.

·        Laya Samadhi (absorption) is accomplished by yoni mudra.

·        Bhakti Yoga Samadhi is accomplished through contemplation on one’s deity.

·        Raja Yoga Samadhi, Unmani Samadhi, Sahajawastha Samadhi is attained through mano murchha mudra (trance).

 

Vishnu is present  in water,land,mountain top and volcanoes also.He is omnipresent and the world is filled with Vishnu (tattva).

 

One has to bring into the knowledge that the soul is  separate from body,pure and eternal in nature.Samadhi will be attained when one gets freedom from passions,desires and attachments like body,family and wealth.The cycle of birth and death no longer affects the yogi who has  achieved  Samadhi. He does not take rebirth  anymore.

 

STUDY ON THE TEXT SHIVA SAMHITA:

Overview of each of the five chapters of the text  translated  by Srisa Chanra Vasu.has been presented. In its five chapters of the text, information regarding following topics are covered:

Nadis, ida, pingala,sushumna, Prana, 10 types of prana, the ways to attain success in yoga,  requirements for success in yoga and signs , nadi purification symptoms, obstacles in yoga, description of 4 important asans out of  84 asanas , nadi shodhana and the method ,duration of nadi purification ,  Mantra yoga, Shadow gazing and  Anahata Dhwani(sound).

 

CHAPTER 1:

The means and methods of liberation are covered in this chapte.

There are many methods like:-karma, vairagya (dispassion), charity, truth, ascetism, forgiveness, household duties, mantra yoga, visiting places of pilgrimage etc hat people believe will lead to emancipation. However  Yoga shastra is  the only true method for liberation.

 

Rebirth occurs because of the attachment  to the fruits of  the action, Bearing the body of a human being is the result of past deeds.Only spiritual knowledge will release  form the trap of rebirths. The spirit is eternal ,so death  never occurs in case of spirit, but rebirth happens  over and over again. The nature of the world is illusory.

 

CHAPTER 2:

This chapter discusses the theory related to the spinal column and the nadis. Out of 35000 nadis, only 14 are important. There are numerous networks of nerves having various branches and sub branches engaged in supplying  various parts of the body and regulating  the body functions Of the 14 nadis, 3 nadis are vital. These are known as  Ida, pingala, sushumna. Of these  3 nadis, sushumna is the most important among all. Sushumna, ida and pingala are considered as the vital nadis with sushumna being the most prominent. Chitra nadi  is the innermost of these three nadis and barahmarandra (the most subtle hollow)lies inside chitra nadi.Chitra is the the  favorite nadi  of lord Shiva The yogi destroys all his sins by contemplating on chitra nadi.Kundalini is located  at the base of the sushumna in a coiled form having  3 and ½ turns of coils. The ida (lunar channel) lies on the left side coiling  around sushumna (representing fire) and goes to the right nostril (representing sun). The pingala(solar channel) coils around sushumna and goes to the left nostril. There are  six  stages,six energy centers and  six lotuses known to a yogi. There burns the fire known as fire of Vaiswanara  in the abdomen that helps in the digestion of food, gives strength and nourishment,increases life, and destroys diseases.The jivah (being) residing in the human body, enjoys the fruits of his  various karmas amassed in the past life. The sufferings and pleasures  are assigned according to the result of past  karmas. Accumulated good karmas in past lives gives happiness. Delusions arise from desires, but one can throw  those  away. This body is inherited because of the past karmas, but the burden of living in this body becomes  relieved when it is utilized  as a tool to attain  Nirvana (enlightenment). In each life time the desires bind a jivah (living being) and cling to the person.  Likewise misery also follows the jivah. A true yoga practitioner should perform all his duties renouncing the  fruits  in order to cross the ocean of this  illusory world. All desires are then dissolved through spiritual knowledge and own tatva becomes manifest.

 

CHAPTER 3:

Heart Chakra or Anahat Chakra:

A brilliant divine lotus with 12 petals having beutiful (Sanskrit) letters represent the heart chakra. Adorned with past desires and egoism, the Prana lives there, in the heart. From the different modifications of this prana,it is recognized in  ten principal  names. These are prana, apana, samana, udana, vyana, naga, kurma, krikara, devadatta, and dhananjaya.Out of  these ten, the first 5 are important ones and even out of these five  the first two-prana and apana are the most important. The heart, anus, navel region, throat and the whole body are the seats of prana, apana, samana, udana and vyana respectively. The remainder vayus naga, kurma, krikira, devadatta and dhananjaya, are incharge of functions like eructation, opening eyes, hunger and thirst, yawning and hiccups respectively.

 

He who knows the microcosm of the body in this way gets freedom from all sins and reaches the absolute state.

 

The ways to attain success in yoga:

The role of Guru is very important in the path of yoga. He who is devoted to knowledge while satisfying his guru gets success easily.One should salute the guru, while walking around him 3 times, touching his lotus feet with right hand. Serving guru in thought, word and deed is considered effective in the path of practice. Guru should be perceived as father, mother and god. Faith and perseverance are most necessary for yoga practitioner to get success.

 

Requirements for success in yoga and signs:

Faith and perseverance are most necessary for yoga practitioner to get success. Those who are sincerely devoted to attain knowledge are worthy of being true yoga practitioner. Those who are addicted to sensual pleasures,  hurtful in words, disrespectful of guru, keep bad assembly, and are skeptics, never attain success. The six signs of success in yoga are as follows:  Feeling  of  confidence, regards  to guru, the spirit of equality, mastery over senses and  moderate eating.

 

The place:

The practice place should be beautiful, pleasant and clean. The yogi should salute the Guru on left, Ganesha on right and then again to the guardians of the world and goddess Ambika on left.

 

The yogi should be in a padmasana posture sitting on a seat (as per tradition) and begin to practise the breath regulation processes. His body should be firm and inflexible.

 

He should close his right nostril with his thumb and inhale through the left. The breath should be retained as long as possible and then breathed out through the right nostril slowly. Then he should draw his breath through  the right nostril, retain as per his capacity and exhale gently through the left nostril.

 

Twenty kubhakas, (breath retentions) need to be practiced  4 times a day early morning, mid-day, sunset and midnight. Nadis in this way  will be purified if the practice is continued for 3 months. Purification of  nadis and removal of  defects make  the yogi s purified and  he enters the first stage of Pranayam known as Aarambavastha (beginning stage). Ghatavastha, parichaya avastha and nishpatti avastha  are subsequent stages of pranayama following in sequence. All sins and sorrows are destroyed by the way.

 

Nadi purification symptoms:

The body of such a person emits beautiful smells,he  appears balanced, beautiful  and poised. Qualities like courage and  strength are inherited.

 

Obstacles in yoga:

Consuming acidic foods, salt, astringents, mustard, things roasted in oil, pungent substances,too much eating, wandering around/travelling or walking  too much, fasting, bathing before sunrise, developing enemity, violence and  anger  towards others, cruelty towards animals, company of women, excess talkativeness, agni seva (fire worship), unnecessary thoughts etc are the main obstacles in yoga practice.

Requirements for success in yoga :

 

The yogi should use milk, clarified butter,  sweet foods, camphor and betel without lime. He should always use  pleasant speech, hear sweet music, stay in  pleasant monastery, hear discourses on truth, perform duties without attachment and sing the name of Vishnu. He should avoid  debates, arguments and  controversial and instigating talks. He should have patience, forgiveness, austerity, purifications and devotion to guru.

 

A yogi should take food when the flow of breath is  through the pingala nadi (right nostril) and should go to sleep when the flow of breath is through the ida nadi (left nostril).

 

One should not practice yoga (pranayam ) in a hungry state or immediately after a meal. In case a person is very hungry, he should take a small amount of milk and butter.

 

Small quantities of food should be consumed  may be  more frequently and kumbhaka (breath retention) needs to be performed daily at the proper times. Once the yogi achieves complete control over his breath (the final stage), then onwards nothing is impossible for him. Perspiration begins in the first stage of pranayama. The yogi  should rub the sweat  on the body so that loss of dhatu (important elements) will be avoided.

 

In the second stage trembling symptoms  in the  body appear. In the third stage he attains the ablity to leap like a frog and in the final stage vayu siddhi (be ability  to walk on air) is achieved by the yogi.

 

The yogi is no longer  affected by sorrow, diseases and  affliction. Perspiration, saliva  and intestinal worms do not have any effect on his health any more. Once the yogi becomes free from vayu, pitta and kapha, he can restore his regular diet habits

 

Consumption of too much or small amount of food  will  have no effect on him. Even taking no food at all will never have any effect on the yogi since then. He gains the ability of  Bhuchari siddhi (ability to jump like a frog). A yoga practitioner should not allow hurdles to prevent him from continuing practices. He should adhere to constant ‘Aum’ chanting simultaneously restraining the senses. All his past and present karmic effects are destroyed by practice of pranayama.The practice  should be  for 1 and ½ hours.

 

Eight  major psychic powers are achieved by the yogi by  practicing pranayama.

Those   are:

Power of prophecy (vakya siddhi), Ability to transport himself anywhere (khechari siddhi), clairvoyance, subtle sight, power of entering another body, changing metal to gold, becoming invisible and flying in the air.

 

After all  six  chakras have been perceived, the next stage i.e. parichaya stage is achieved.

The five elements (ether, air, water, fire, earth) come under the control of the yogi.

 

Meditating for two and half hours on each chakra the yogi achieves tremendous powers. Then the yogi attains the stage of nishpatti avastha. This leads to dissolution of  all the karmas and the yogi drinks  the nectar of immortality. He becomes an individual liberated in the present life or Jivanmukta. When ability to drink nectar by placing the tip of his tongue on his palate is achieved, further practice of  yoga is no longer  needed. Freedom from disease, old age, death is achieved  and several powers come to him. The yogi no longer feels  the effect of  hunger, thirst, fatigue or sleepiness. He gets freedom from cycle of rebirth.

 

Four postures out of eightyfour   are most important which are given below. These are Siddhasan, Padmasan, Ugrasan (pashimottanasan) and Swastikasan (sukhasan)

Practice of paschimottanasan helps to attain  vayu siddhi. It also destroys  miseries.

 

CHAPTER4

This chapter deals with 11(eleven) mudras out of  many. Those are, Yoni mudra, Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Mahavedha, Khechari, Jalandhar, Mulabandha, Viparitkarani, Uddana, Vajroli and Shaktichalan etc.

 

A serious aspirant, desirous of success in yoga should have  perseverance and faith only. He  should  perform practices under the guidance of an experienced guru  which are basic requirements  for the purpose. Several supernatural powers like clairvoyance, flying ability, becoming  invisible,  walking  on water and  the ability to make prophecies  etc are achieved by the persons who are successful in their performance of mudras.

By the way all diseases are cured and sins are destroyed.

 

CHAPTER 5:

There are four types of yoga as described in this chapter.Those are: Mantra yoga, Hatha yoga, Laya yoga and Raja yoga.

Persons of different traits, personalities, and temperaments may adopt different types of yoga according to their suitability.

Mantra yoga: Mild aspirants should adopt mantra yoga.

Fickle, timid, greedy, cruel,  cynical and  diseased  persons may adopt mantra yoga for success.

It takes almost 12 years to get success in yoga.

 

Laya yoga-Average aspirant finds this yoga suitable for them. It is also suitable for aspirants who are kind, merciful, desirous of virtue, sweet speeking, and  do not go to extremes for  sake of achievement.

 

Hatha yoga:

It is suitable  for the above average aspirants. Mentally stable, energetic and sympathetic persons should adhere to hatha yoga. Persons who are truthful, forgiving, courageous, and full of faith should practise hatha yoga. Practitioners having devotion to gurus and  engaged in the practice of yoga find  this type of yoga suitable for  them.

Success in hatha yoga is achieved   in 6(six) years.

 

Raja Yoga: Superior aspirants find this yoga suitable for them.

This yoga is suitable for persons in their youth,

Those who have moderate eating habits, boldness, energy and senses under control find this yoga suitable. Those who are knowledgeable, content, forgiving, religious, charitable, healthy and  don’t waste time also finding  this  yoga suitable.

Success  here comes  in 3 (three)years.

 

Practitioners get qualified to have their entry  into practice of other forms of yoga.There has been a description of “Prateek upasana” (worshipping the shadow), which is the unique feature of this text. It is mentioned that  nirvana can be attained  through the  following practices.

 

In this   practice one has to   close  the  eyes, nose, lips and ears with the fingers.Then he has to place the index fingers on the eyes, middle fingers on  the nose, remaining fingers on the upper and lower lips and the thumb on ears.

 

The person can have the vision of  his soul in the form of light.Yogi is able to hear mystic sounds from the practice. The anahat sounds are in the following order.Buzzing bee sound, sound of flute, sound of  harp, sound of  ringing bells, thunder sound.

 

Lord Shiva praises the following practices as most superior among all, those are siddhasan,  kumbha, khechari mudra, and nada (mystic sounds).

By constant meditation on the third eye chakra, a brilliant fire like lightning sensation is felt. All sins are destroyed and highest end is achieved by meditating on this light.The yogi becomes able to  see and talk with the other accomplished siddhas.

 

There are four types of food depending on consumption  which can be listed as

Chewed food, Licked food, Sucked food  and Drank food.

 

The subtle body is nourished by the finest portion of the food and the gross body is nourished by the second best part made of seven constituents. The most inferior portion of food is eliminated by excretion from the body. So the first two by products of digested food are  the best as they nourish the body. Vayu starts flowing  through the nadis. There may be weak nadis or strong nadis and the pranic force (life force) flows through them. One need not search  God outside . God is within. Theere have been descriptions regarding the effects of meditation on the chakras in the text Shiva Samhita.The gist of these descriptions are described below.

 

Muladhar Chakra ( Root Chakra):

There resides Svayambhu Lingam in this chakra on which meditation is done.Darduri siddhi (ability o jump like a frog and ultimately rise into the air) is achieved by the yogi upon successful meditation. Disease and old age no longer affect the yogi.He can have vision of the past, present and future. He will have mastery over  all esoteric sciences. By  mere repetetion he  will be able to gain the power of  mantra siddhi.His all desires are  fulfilled and he is free from all sins. Success in six months is possible only by constant practice. That will help air element enter in sushumna (spinal coloumn). Mind will be under control by the way.

 

Swadishthan Chakra (Sacral Chakra):

Knowledge of all the sciences,never known,is  revealed by contemplation on this chakra. He gets freedom from diseases and can roam the universe without fear.Ability to become small and huge (anima and laghima) is attained.

 

Manipura Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra:

If one meditates on   this chakra located in the navel region,every desire is fulfilled. The yogi can transform metals to gold, gets power of clairvoyance, he can cure diseases and have the vision  of  hidden treasures etc.

 

 

 

Anahat Chakra ( heart chakra):

Contemplating  on the flame called  Vanalinga residing  in the heart chakra (anahat chakra),  confers knowledge beyond measure.Psychic powers  like clairvoyance and vision of past, present and future are attained. Khechari siddhi (ability to move in air) and Bhuchari siddhi(ability to travel anywhere) are attained. Power of clairvoyance comes to the yogi through which he   can perceive the yogins.

 

Vishhuddhi Chakra or the throat chakra: Knowledge of the secrets of the Vedas (sacred Hindu tests) are inherited by the yogi who contemplates on throat chakra.He never feels weak.

 

Ajna chakra (The third eye chakra):

If one contemplates on this chakra he gets highest success. He gets the  results  of contemplation on the above five chakras in course of time. One who meditates on this chakra being  in any stage like standing, walking, sleeping, or while awake, gets freedom from sins.

 

Sahasrara or crown chakra:

One can become god like if he contemplates on this chakra. His mind attains  purity  and he is able to see the future. His sins are destroyed and  accidents are warded off

 

Raja Yoga:

The practitioner  meditating  on the void and shadow gets endowed with numerous powers.Identification   with “I” no longer exists. Hatha yoga and Raja yoga are very closely connected .It is necessary to learn Hatha yoga before practice of Raja yoga. One who is having human body but never practises yoga merely lives for the sense gratification.It is not necessary to give up house hold activities or profession for the sake of yoga.But he must remember that  he  should not be attached to them. He  should make  his activities having no attachment.

 

Mantra Yoga:

In this chapter the  highest mantra is explained.Perfect  way of chanting the mantras and their benefits are also described  in this chapter.

 

CONCLUSION:

Hatha yoga is deep rooted in our history and culture. The ancient sages were experts and specialists in knowing the body physiology and psychology as well.They were well aquainted with the meta physical system of the body. They were conversant in expressing different anatomy and subtle systems of the  body in symbolic form.In their view the  body was a tool  for higher sadhana.They had firm opinion regarding the much valued human birth which was meant for higher yogic practices and realization.Beginning the text in form of a dialogue either between lord Shiva and Parvati or Guru and Sisya they were carefull  in maintaining  the Guru Sisya Parampara of our culture. The texts had many similarities as well as differences. In addition to postures and breathing practices importance was also given to life style, diet, place of establishment, place of practice,ethical principles and punctuality. These texts were not at all loaded with rigorous practice guidelines, rather they were decorated well with feeling of bliss,happiness, divinity and philosophy. The seers have warned against different obstacles and distracting factors. Modern life has become hasty and full of competition. However the man can’t get rid of day to day stresses and peculiar problems he encounters  in day to day life. He loses mental balance and overall health including body fitness becoming the  victim of the circumstances. This is the high time to realize the importance of hatha yoga as described in classical texts and implement it in true words and spirits,  so that mankind will lead a healthy and peaceful life living in coordination with the environment.