The Gheranda Samhita Mantra refers to the sacred syllables and invocations embedded within the Gheranda Samhita, a classical text on Hatha Yoga composed by the sage Gheranda. This text, dating to the late 17th century, is structured as a dialogue between Gheranda and his disciple Chandakapali, and it systematically expounds a seven-limbed path of yoga (saptanga yoga) distinct from the eight limbs of Patanjali. The seven limbs are: purification (shatkarma), posture (asana), seal (mudra), withdrawal (pratyahara), breath control (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and absorption (samadhi). According to the Gheranda Samhita (1.1-2), these practices are taught by the supreme teacher Adinath (Shiva), who is the primary deity of this tradition. The mantras in this text are often bija (seed) syllables such as Om, Hrim, and Klim, used in conjunction with specific asanas and mudras to invoke divine energies and facilitate yogic transformation. For instance, the mantra 'Om Adinathaya Namah' is a salutation to Shiva as the first teacher, and it is chanted to seek blessings for the yogic path. The Gheranda Samhita (5.1-2) describes the use of mantras in pranayama, where the practitioner mentally recites bija mantras like 'Hum' during breath retention to awaken kundalini. The traditional purpose of these mantras is to purify the body and mind, stabilize the mind during meditation, and ultimately achieve liberation (kaivalya). They are recommended for chanting during the early morning (brahma muhurta) after cleansing rituals, with a count of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha mala. The setting should be a clean, quiet space, preferably with a focus on the deity's image or a yantra. Cautions include avoiding mantra practice without proper guidance from a guru, as incorrect pronunciation or visualization can lead to energetic imbalances. The Gheranda Samhita (7.1-2) emphasizes that samadhi is attained only through the grace of the guru and disciplined practice of all seven limbs.
The seven limbs of Hatha Yoga, the path to liberation.