The Shiva Samhita is one of the most important and revered texts in the Hatha Yoga tradition. Composed over five centuries ago, the author of Shiva Samhita is unknown. Shiva Samhita means, ‘The collection of verses of Shiva.’
It is attributed to Lord Shiva himself, who imparts this knowledge to his consort, Parvati. Distributed across five chapters, the book contains a treasure trove of teachings on yoga, found nowhere else. Each delves into different aspects of yoga and spiritual practice. This text discusses the essentials of yoga practice, ways of attaining Siddhi, philosophy of existence, the importance of yoga, Maya or illusion, functions of the body, the principles of pranayama and asana, the Kundalini and its awakening, different forms of yoga, etc. It forms the base text for Hatha Yoga. It can also be called a tantra and is an eclectic collection of yogic lore.
Brief Summary of the Chapters of Shiva Samhita
Chapter 1: The World and its Delusion
The first chapter of the Shiva Samhita sets the philosophical foundation for the entire text. It presents the Advaita Vedanta philosophy but in the style and format of Shri Vidya tantra.
It begins with a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati, where Shiva describes the nature of the universe and the concept of Maya, or illusion.
Lord Shiva says, “I, Ishvara, the lover of my devotees, the giver of emancipation to all creatures, I declare the science of Yoganusasana, and discard all doctrines of false knowledge. People follow widely different doctrines, become bewildered, and wander the universe, driven away from the path of true emancipation. Yoga Sastra is the only true and firm doctrine. Its secrets can only be revealed to a very pious devotee throughout the three worlds.”
Key Themes:
1. Maya and Reality: Shiva explains that the world is a product of Maya, which creates a veil over the true nature of reality. This illusion binds individuals to the cycle of birth and death. He, to whom this world is but the pleasure ground of Maya, his life is contemptible and worthless, he cannot find any happiness in riches, body, etc., nor pleasures. Through illusion, a rope appears like a snake or a pearl shell-like silver; similarly, all this universe is superimposed in the Parmatma or the Universal Spirit. By the arising of the knowledge of self, this universe based on illusion, vanishes. Maya (illusion) is the mother of the universe. The universe has not been created from any other principle; when this Maya is destroyed, the world does not exist.
2. The Nature of the Self: The chapter states that the Atman (Self), is eternal and beyond physical existence. It has no beginning and no end. Even when everything else ceases, jnana or Atman alone remains. Understanding the true nature of the Self is essential for liberation (Moksha). Since the Atman is not limited by time or space, it is therefore infinite, all-pervading and entirely itself. It is never destroyed.
3. The Role of the Guru: Shiva emphasizes the importance of a Guru in guiding the seeker through the spiritual path. The Guru is seen as a beacon of light, dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Only the knowledge imparted by a guru, through his lips, is powerful and useful. All else becomes fruitless, weak and often painful. If one desires to gain knowledge, please first please his Guru and try to gain every drop of knowledge from him.
4. Faith and Devotion: The necessity of faith (Shraddha) and devotion (Bhakti) in the path of yoga is highlighted. Without these qualities, progress in yoga is difficult. The first condition of success in yoga is the firm belief And faith that it will succeed and be fruitful. Having renounced all false desires and abandoned all false worldly chains, the Yogi sees certainly in his own spirit the Universal Spirit by the self. He forgets this universe and enjoys the ineffable bliss of Samadhi or profound meditation.
Shiva Samhita says that Karma is twofold, consisting of injunctions and prohibitions. Prohibited acts when done, will certainly result in sin; and enjoined acts certainly result in merit. Good actions are heaven, and sinful deeds are hell; the creation is the natural outcome of Karma and nothing else. The outcome of sinful acts is pain, and in good acts happiness, results. For the sake of happiness, men constantly perform good actions.
Shiva says to Parvati, “I am that Intelligence, which incites the functions into the paths of virtue or vice. All this universe, moveable and immovable, is from me; all things are preserved by me; all are absorbed into me (at the time of pralaya); because there exists nothing but spirit and I am that spirit. There exists nothing else.”
All this universe, moveable or immovable, has come out of Intelligence. Renouncing everything else, take shelter in this intelligence. From the self-combination of the Spirit which is Shiva and the Matter which is Shakti, and, through their inherent interaction with each other, all creatures are born.
The Shiva Samhita alludes to itself as a yoga text but also declares that it is a tantra. Having studied all the Sastras and having pondered over them well, again and again, this Yoga Sastra is the only true and firm doctrine.
Chapter 2: The Practice of Yoga
The second chapter is more practical, focusing on the practices and techniques of Hatha Yoga. It provides a detailed guide on various yogic exercises, their benefits, and the conditions under which they should be performed.
Lord Shiva said, “Now I shall teach you the sublime yoga of mudras. Just by practicing mudras the yogi is freed from all disease.”
Key Practices:
1. Asanas: This chapter lists several asanas (postures), explaining their physical and spiritual benefits. The emphasis is on both flexibility and strength.
2. Pranayama: Detailed instructions on different types of pranayama (breathing exercises) are given, highlighting their importance in controlling the life force (prana) and preparing the body for meditation.
3. Bandhas and Mudras: The text describes various bandhas (energy locks) and mudras (gestures), which help in channelling and conserving the prana within the body.
4. Diet and Lifestyle: Recommendations for a yogic diet and lifestyle are provided, stressing the importance of purity (sattva) in food and behaviour for effective practice.
Chapter 3: The Science of the Soul and the Paths to Liberation
In the third chapter, Shiva elaborates on the nature of the soul and the different paths to achieving liberation. This section is rich in metaphysical discussions and offers various approaches to attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Key Concepts:
1. The Nature of the Soul: The chapter explains the soul’s immortality and its journey through different lifetimes. The soul’s liberation is the ultimate goal of human existence. Shiva Samhita states that the soul or Prana resides in the heart. It is like a beautiful lotus with twelve petals. It lives there with its desires, past actions and its ego or ahankara. Of its 12 parts, the most dominant are Prana and Apana. Apana resides in the anus. The Yogi who knows of these microcosms of the body is absolved of all sins and reaches the highest state.
2. Four Paths to Liberation: Shiva describes four primary paths to liberation:
A. Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom
B. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and love towards the divine.
C. Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action.
D. Raja Yoga: The path of meditation and control over the mind.
3. Stages of Spiritual Progress: The chapter outlines the stages a practitioner goes through on their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and regular practice.
Chapter 4: The Varieties of Yoga
The fourth chapter categorizes different types of yoga and their respective benefits. It also discusses the characteristics of a true yogi and the signs of progress in yoga practice.
Key Topics:
1. Types of Yoga: Shiva categorizes yoga into various forms, including Hatha, Laya, Mantra, and Raja Yoga, each with its unique practices and goals. The book describes the different personality types and the form of yoga they should be taught.
2. The Qualities of a Yogi: The qualities that define a true yogi are discussed, such as non-attachment, compassion, truthfulness, and unwavering faith. Shiva says, “He is the Yogi, he is the true devotee, he is worshipped in all the worlds, who contemplates the Jivatma and the Paramatma as related to each other as “ I ” and “ Am,” who renounces “1” and “ thou” and contemplates the indivisible; the Yogi free from all attachment takes shelter of that contemplation in which, through the knowledge of superimposition and negation, all is dissolved.”
3. Signs of Progress: The chapter lists the physical, mental, and spiritual signs that indicate progress in yoga, such as increased energy, inner peace, and heightened awareness. Shiva says, “He who, while living in this physical body, does not practice Yoga, is living merely for the sake of sensual enjoyment. From the time he begins till the time he gains perfect mastery, let the Yogi eat moderately and abstemiously, otherwise, however clever, he cannot gain success.
4. Obstacles and Solutions: Common obstacles faced by practitioners and their solutions are addressed, encouraging perseverance and dedication. Therefore, the Yogis should perform Yoga according to the rules of practice. He who is contented with what he gets, who restrains his senses, being a householder, who is not absorbed in the household duties, certainly attains emancipation through the practice of Yoga. Living in the house amidst wife and children, but being free from attachments to them, practising Yoga in secrecy, a house-holder even finds marks of success (slowly crowning his efforts), and thus following this teaching of mine, he lives in blissful happiness.
Chapter 5: The Power of Mantras and Mystical Practices
The final chapter focuses on the use of mantras and other mystical practices. It explains the significance of sound and vibration in spiritual practices and provides detailed instructions on using mantras for meditation and healing. Shiva says, “By knowing this highest of the mantras, the Yogi certainly attains success {siddhi ): this gives all power and pleasure to the one-pointed Yogi.”
Key Elements:
1. The Power of Sound: The chapter elaborates on the concept of Nada (cosmic sound) and its role in creation and dissolution. The use of mantras taps into this cosmic energy.
2. Mantra Practice: Detailed guidelines for selecting and practising mantras are provided, including the benefits of specific mantras and their applications in different contexts. The whole mantra is Om, aim, klim, strim. Learn this mantra from a Guru, repeat it neither too fast nor too slowly, keeping the mind free from all doubts, and understanding the mystic relation between the letters of the mantra. Having satisfied the Guru and having received this highest of mantras, properly, and performing its repetition in the way laid down, with mind concentrated, even the most heavy-burdened with past Karmas attains success.
3. Yantras and Mandalas: The use of yantras (sacred diagrams) and mandalas in meditation and their significance in focusing the mind and invoking divine energies are discussed.
4. Siddhis (Supernatural Powers): The chapter briefly touches upon the siddhis or supernatural powers that can be attained through advanced yoga practices, cautioning against their misuse.
5. Invocation of the shadow or Pratikopasana: The book teaches us about the practice of invocation of the shadow, and also how to invoke it. It gives to the devotee the objects seen as well as unseen; undoubtedly, by its very sight, a man becomes pure. He who daily sees his shadow in the sky will get his years increased and will never die an accidental death. He who always practices this and knows the Paramatma, becomes fully happy, through the grace of his shadow.
6. The practice of Dharana: About the practice of Dharana, Shiva says, “He who contemplates on sunya (void or vacuum or space), while walking or standing, dreaming or waking, becomes altogether ethereal, and is absorbed in the Chitta. The Yogi, desirous of success, should always obtain this knowledge; by habitual exercise, he becomes equal to me; through the force of this knowledge, he becomes the beloved of all.”
What are the chakras and their benefits?
There are six chakras, and the characteristics of these chakras are:
1. Muladhar Chakra: It sleeps like a serpent, and is luminous by its light. Like a serpent it lives between the joints; it is the goddess of speech and is called the seed (bija). Full of energy, and like burning gold, know this Kundalini to be the power (shakti) of Vishnu; it is the mother of the three qualities—sattwa (rhythm), rajas (energy) and tamas (inertia).
2. Swadhisathan Chakra: Shiva says, “He who daily contemplates on this Swadhisthan lotus, becomes an object of love and adoration to all beautiful goddesses. He fearlessly recites the various shastras and sciences unknown to him before; becomes free from all diseases, and moves throughout the universe fearlessly. He obtains the highest psychic powers. The vayu moves equitably throughout his body; the humors of his body also are increased; the ambrosia exuding from the ethereal lotus also increases in him.”
3. The Manipur chakra: This is the third chakra. Its presiding adept is called Rudra—the giver of all auspicious things, and the presiding goddess of this place is called the most sacred Lakini. When the Yogi contemplates on the Manipur lotus, he gets the power called the patal siddhi —the giver of constant happiness. He becomes the lord of desires, destroys sorrows and diseases, cheats death, and can enter the body of another.
4. Anahat chakra: The fourth chakra. In this lotus is a flame called vanlinga; by contemplating this, one gets objects of the seen and the unseen universe. He gets immeasurable knowledge, knows the past, present and future time; has clairvoyance and can walk in the air, whenever he likes.
5. Vishuddha chakra: This Chakra situated in the throat, is the fifth, and is called the Vishuddha lotus. Its colour is like brilliant gold. He who always contemplates it is truly the lord of the Yogis, and deserves to be called wise; by the meditation of this Vishuddha lotus, the Yogi at once understands the four Vedas with their mysteries. His body never grows weak, and he retains his full strength for a thousand years.
6. Ajna chakra: The two-petalled Chakra, called the Ajna, is situated between the two eye-brows. Within that petal, there is the eternal bija (the syllable of Aum), brilliant as the autumnal moon. Shiva says, “This is the great light held secret in all the Tantras; by contemplating on this, one obtains the highest success, there is no doubt of it.”
Why is Samhita unique?
Shiva Samhita is unique because its unique teachings are not found anywhere else in the Hatha Yoga books. It does not teach six or eight-limbed yoga and the directions for practicing pranayama are simple and easy. It has a systematic and thorough approach to the teaching of different mudras. It has beautiful meditations that have no parallel in other Hatha Yoga texts. It also makes no mention of the Natha school of yogis.
Conclusion
The Shiva Samhita is a comprehensive guide that covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga. It integrates philosophy, science, and spirituality, providing a holistic approach to achieving self-realization and liberation. The text’s timeless wisdom continues to inspire and guide yoga practitioners around the world, offering a profound understanding of the human condition and the path to transcendence.
The summary is but a brief glimpse into the cache of jewels that is the text of Shiva Samhita. One hopes that after reading this brief, the reader’s appetite to learn more about it is whetted. For those dedicated to the path of yoga, the Shiva Samhita serves as a vital resource, offering deep insights and practical instructions that can lead to profound transformation and ultimate liberation.
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