“Through union with the highest self, one can attain samadhi.”
The verse: Gheranda Samhita 7.16
The quote above is our paraphrase. This is the verse as it reads in the Srisa Chandra Vasu translation (1915):
“Performing Manomurchha Kumbhaka, unite the Manas with the Atma. By this Union is obtained Raja-Yoga 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
- “When air is confined in the body, there is Kevalakumbhaka.”
- “Through pranayama, the yogi gets the ability to move through space; through pranayama, diseases are destroyed.”
- “The great goddess Kundalini, the Shakti of the self, sleeps at the Muladhara.”
- “Paschimottanasana relieves ailments and purifies the nadis.”
- “Shavasana removes fatigue and brings rest to the mind.”
- “Suryabheda destroys decrepitude and death.”