“The yogi who realizes the self becomes disinterested in worldly attachments and attains liberation.”
The verses: Gheranda Samhita 7.20–21
The quote above is our paraphrase. These are the verses as they read in the Srisa Chandra Vasu translation (1915):
“Knowing it separate from body, let him be free from desires and passions. Thus is Samadhi obtained, free from all desires. Free from attachment to his own body, to son, wife, friends, kinsmen, or riches; being free from all, let him obtain fully the Samadhi.”
About the text: Gheranda Samhita
The Gheranda Samhita is a Sanskrit hatha yoga manual, probably from the late 17th century, framed as the sage Gheranda teaching a student named Chanda. Its seven chapters set out a sevenfold yoga, from cleansing practices and postures to breath control, meditation and samadhi.
More from the Gheranda Samhita
- “Sahita, Suryabheda, Ujjayi, Shitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murccha, and Kevali are the eight kumbhakas.”
- “A condition arises that is accompanied by bliss, tears, and goose bumps. Samadhi arises, and manonmani follows on from it.”
- “Suryabheda destroys decrepitude and death.”
- “The yogi should visualize a sublime ocean of nectar in his heart.”
- “Just as from studying the alphabet one may understand the scriptural teachings, so by practicing Yoga one may obtain knowledge of the Ultimate Reality.”
- “Ujjayi destroys constipation, consumption, and disorders of the spleen.”