Śivasaṃhitā 3.29

The purification of energy channels produces visible and verifiable somatic consequences. This is no metaphor: the text states that the body emits fragrance and acquires beauty. In yoga’s subtle physiology, when prānic flows circulate without obstruction, vital energy distributes its qualities to the body’s periphery, transforming even the external appearance of the consistent practitioner.

Nāḍīśuddhi (purification of the channels) is the prerequisite for any advanced practice. Tattvadarśin — literally “one who sees the tattvas, the essential truth” — designates the yogin who has developed metaphysical discrimination, not merely technical skill. The compound suggests that physical purification and spiritual perception are in this system absolutely inseparable: the clean body sees clearly.

The four stages of prāṇāyāma — ārambha, ghaṭa, paricaya, niṣpatti — represent one of the few systematic taxonomies of spiritual development in haṭhayogic literature. The Śivasaṃhitā establishes objective criteria for advancement — specific physical phenomena, not subjective states — making progress observable to both disciple and teacher.