Scriptures & Spiritual Texts  Gheranda Samhita FAQs  FAQ

What are the seven limbs (folds) described in the Gheranda Samhita?

Gheranda Samhita’s sevenfold path unfolds like a carefully choreographed dance, each step leading deeper into balance and clarity:

  1. Shatkarma (Purifications): Six cleansing techniques—neti, dhauti, nauli, basti, kapalbhati, trivritti—designed to flush out toxins and stale energies. Think of it as the original wellness “detox,” clearing the ground before planting seeds.

  2. Asana (Postures): Thirty-two poses emphasizing stability (sthira) and comfort (sukha). Rather than chasing the latest viral handstand, the focus rests on alignment, resilience and quieting the restless mind.

  3. Mudra (Energy Seals): Twenty-five intricate gestures—like Mula Bandha or Maha Mudra—that lock in prana and redirect subtle currents. Picture an ancient control panel where each switch fine-tunes vitality.

  4. Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): The art of drawing awareness inward, detaching from external stimuli. Much like muting endless notifications, it’s a soft buffer against modern overload.

  5. Pranayama (Breath Control): Techniques to expand, regulate and pause the breath. Current breathwork trends in wellness circles mirror these age-old practices, highlighting their timeless power.

  6. Dhyana (Meditation): Sustained, uninterrupted focus. Beyond trendy apps, this limb teaches continuous inner observation—like watching thoughts drift by without grabbing hold.

  7. Samadhi (Absorption): The summit of union, where observer and observed dissolve into oneness. Often compared to clinching the elusive gold medal in a spiritual marathon, it represents effortless being.

Layer by layer, these seven folds weave purification, strength, energy mastery and deep contemplation into a unified tapestry. In an era ruled by multitasking and constant pings, this holistic roadmap offers a way to hit “reset,” ground scattered attention and spark genuine transformation.