Asana Practice in the Gheranda Samhita: A narrative review

Background: Gheranda Samhita (GS), a seminal 17th century text of Hatha Yoga, outlines a comprehensive system of physical as well as spiritual disciples known as Sapta Sadhana (sevenfold Yoga). Among these, the Asana lays the foundation for Dehasiddhi (bodily perfection) as well as higher Yogic pursuits. Objective: This review aims to elucidate the understanding of Asana in GS along with analysing its typological framework, comparing it with other traditional Hatha Yoga texts. Methods: A narrative textual analysis of GS was conducted using primary Sanskrit texts and English translations, accompanied by secondary literature on classical yoga traditions, including research papers published online. The thirty-two Asanas discussed in the GS were examined for their formation, type, and therapeutic benefits. In addition, a comparative evaluation was carried out against other traditional yoga texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Siva Samhita, and Yoga Upanishads to discover similarities and divergences. Results: The GS presents 32 Asana, which can be analytically; organised into several categories like meditative, flexing, strengthening, balancing, twisting, and relaxing. The classical texts emphasise the responsibility of Asana in achieving strength, vitality and refinement of the physical body for higher practices. In comparison to other Hatha Yoga treatises, GS exhibits a more realistic, holistic, and institutional orientation. Conclusion: Asanas in GS epitomise an integrative way of life that links body training to spiritual elevation for ultimate salvation. The text delineates a holistic approach through postures to health-promotion, along with spiritual awakening. This analytical synthesis not only underscores the involvement of GS in the classical Yoga traditions but also as an enduring relevance to the present-day integrative health paradigms.