“Yonimudra awakens supreme union with Shiva and bestows bliss.”
The verses: Gheranda Samhita 3.37–42
The quote above is our paraphrase. These are the verses as they read in the Srisa Chandra Vasu translation (1915):
“Being himself full of Sakti, being joined with the great Siva, let him think of the various pleasures and enjoyments. Let him contemplate on the union of Siva (spirit) and Sakti (Force or energy) in this world. Being himself all bliss, let him realise that he is the Brahma.”
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
- “Through practice of Bhujangasana, the physical fire increases steadily, all diseases are destroyed, and the Serpent Goddess awakens.”
- “Samadhi, the highest Yoga, is attained by the very fortunate.”
- “Viparitakarani destroys decrepitude and death.”
- “In the resonance of the Bhramari sound, there is light, and in the light is the mind.”
- “By using this practice, Shambhavi is sure to arise. Diseases of the eye disappear; one gets divine sight.”
- “Ujjayi destroys constipation, consumption, and disorders of the spleen.”