घेरण्ड संहिता (महर्षि घेरण्ड - सप्ताङ्ग हठयोग सटीक)

x 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 puri-
fication, the first means to perfecting the person, can be
achieved. The second chapter describes thirty-two asanas
by which strength, the second means, is attained. In the
third chapter Gheranda teaches twenty-five mudras, which
lead to steadiness, the third means. The fourth chapter
describes five techniques for pratyahara, which brings
about calmness, 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 pranayama, the
practice of which leads to lightness, the fifth means. The
sixth chapter describes three types of dhyana, using which
the yogi can achieve realization of the self, the sixth means.
Finally, in the seventh chapter, Gheranda teaches six types
of samadhi, which lead to abstraction, the ultimate means
of perfecting the person.¹
Like the other root texts of Hatha Yoga, the Gheranda
Samhita does not concern itself with yama and 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 Raja Yoga is of six types. Many commentators equate
Raja Yoga with the classical Yoga of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, but in texts on Hatha
Yoga it means samadhi, rather than a separate type of Yoga.