By Victor M Fontane
Samadhi literally translates to total self-collectedness in Sanskrit, and is derived from the words sam (meaning “together” or “completely”), a (meaning “toward”), and dhe, (meaning “put”). When Samadhi is achieved, it is complete self-realization accompanied by a sense of interconnectedness. It is the final step of Sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, in which bliss is achieved when the individual and universal consciousness is in harmony and unison.
Two types of Samadhi:
Samprajnata Samadhi (or Savikalpa) is a meditative state of peace and quiet. The practitioner temporarily experiences the union of the mind, body and soul only in meditation. Ordinary consciousness and decision-making takes over once the person leaves the meditative state.
There are 4 stages of Samprajnata Samadhi:
1. Sarvitarka Samadhi
In this stage, the mind focuses on every aspect of the object of meditation, such as a flame.
2. Savichara Samadhi
Once the object’s physical aspects are understood, the mind moves to understanding the more subtle aspects of the object, such as beauty, love, aura, etc.
3. Sa-ananda Samadhi
In this stage, the mind focuses on the joy and peace felt by one’s power of perceiving every aspect of the object of meditation by leaving behind the object and concentrating on the mind itself.
4. Sa-Asmita Samadhi
In this stage, only the satvic (pure) ego remains. The mind is now fully aware of the divine consciousness, and it’s connection with the higher Supreme power.
Asamprajnata Samadhi (Nirvikalpa)
In Sanskrit, a vikalpa is a thought-construct. Nirvikalpa translates to ‘without thought constructs’. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the ego is now dissolved, and only pure and empty consciousness remains. The mind transcends into a state of blissful self-awareness, leaving behind all attachments to the material world.
There are 3 stages of Asamprajnata Samadhi:
1. Nirvitarka Samadhi
This is the stage in which the mind has a complete understanding of the true nature of consciousness by leaving behind all material aspects. The mind is focused on the artha, or form, and disregards the fact that it is the knower. There is a greater control over the mind, its ideas and knowledge.
2. Nirvichara Samadhi
In this stage, the mind is free of all the thoughts that are not relevant, and concentration is almost laser-focused. The concepts of space and time lose their meaning in Nirvichara Samadhi.
3. Kaivalya Samadhi
This is the final stage of eternal union with the Supreme.
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