What is Samadhi? Types of Samadhi
Only a few truly understand the meaning of samadhi beyond its linguistic interpretation or translation. In English, samadhi is usually translated as a ‘state of intense meditation’ or a ‘merging with the self’. It is understood as a higher state of existence where one achieves greater awareness of the universal consciousness. It is a state which cannot be explained by spiritual seekers in mere words because it transcends our material plane of existence.
Understanding Samadhi in Yoga
In order to understand the concept of samadhi, one must first know the different states of consciousness experienced in everyday life.
Subconscious state
The subconscious state is one in which actions are performed without conscious awareness. Bodily functions like breathing and digestion fall under this category, where the mind works without deliberate consciousness.
Conscious state
In the conscious state, there is awareness and engagement of the mind in most activities. For example: we go for a walk or we smell flowers. Here, rationality and sensory perceptions shape our actions.
However, beyond these two states lies a realm often described in scriptures as supernatural or phenomenal—a state untouched by ordinary consciousness.
In this blogpost, let us explore the meaning and the types of samadhi as explained in two texts – the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali and The Bhagavad Geeta.
Samadhi as Explained in the Yoga Sutras
In the Yoga Sutras, the first chapter is entitled Samadhi Pada and deals with the various aspects and types of samadhi. In this work, Maharshi Patanjali has set out the purpose, scope, and methods of a science of self-development. Yoga, from his point of view, was a process of complete control of one’s personality in order to discover one’s own true self. To transcend our normal vegetative existence and to experience the absolute in consciousness was the ultimate goal. Through the Eightfold Path culminating in samadhi, the yogi can establish himself in a heightened state of awareness.
According to the Yoga sutras, samadhi is a blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One. In the first chapter Maharshi Patanjali describes yoga, and then the means to attaining samadhi. This chapter has 51 sutras and it begins with understanding of the human thought processes, or vrittis, which deter us from realizing our true self. The kleshas are structural defects of the mind; they are ignorance (avidya), ego identification (Asmita), attachment (raga), hatred (dvesha), and love of status quo or fear of change (abhinivesha). Maharshi Patanjali explains that the mind, when it is clear, is like a clean mirror. The spirit is then visible to us in its true form.
In sutra 1.24, he explains how one may reach the highest with belief in God. He explains meditation as a stage when the mind is rid of all thoughts except those of God. Further, there is a discussion of the possible mental distractions, and the cultivation of parikarmas (embellishments) such as maitri (friendliness), karuna (compassion), mudita (joy in the joy of others), upeksha (indifference) to control them. The chitta can also be controlled with pranayama (as breathing is closely connected to the state of mind).
The chitta, after the modifications cease, becomes transparent like a crystal and takes on the appearance of the object placed in front of it. This is called Samadhi (in Yoga). Samadhi can be sabija (with seed) or nirbija (without seed).
Types of Samadhi
Samadhi is divided into two classes depending on whether it is sabija or nirbija:
Samprajnata samadhi – in which a yogi acquires all powers of controlling nature.
Asamprajnata samadhi – in which a perfect super-consious state is reached by the yogi to get his final goal.
Samprajnata samadhi
In this type of samadhi, samskaras (impressions on the mind of this life and previous lives) still remain and the yogi does not get freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The soul is not liberated.
There are four stages in understanding the meaning of samprajnata samadhi as follows:
1st stage: A sadhak meditates upon an object again and again by isolating it from other objects. A gross form of an object is used here for meditation.
2nd stage: The sadhak concentrates on a subtle thought.
3rd stage: The sadhak meditates upon the feeling of joy. It is called the Ananda stage and is full of sattva.
4th stage: this is the Asmita stage. This is the pure awareness of the total object, where the sadhak not only understands the external form of the object, but also the internal structure, thoughts, etc. right up to the subtlest levels.
Dr Jayadeva said:
Samprajanata is when one is aware, conscious, knowledgeable – look at gross things, understands them, concentrates on even subtle things, knowing that one is concentrating on an object. Samprajnata Samadhi is for the beginners. The object is made to be subtler – no form, no colour. That again is a way to steady the mind. Then one goes further than that – to the awareness part, the ‘I’ sense. These are ways to keep the mind fixed on given objects. When it is very concentrated, it can take up even an object like the mind, spirit, etc. But still even those are objects. Ultimately, one has to switch off everything of the object. One just maintains a steady state. The mind has now been conquered and it can remain fixed for long time. Then naturally the understanding is much better.
Asamprajnata samadhi
In the Asamprajnata stage where there is no awareness, it is just a continuous blank run. Mind is kept steady but no thoughts.
Dr Jayadeva said: Asamprajnata is the highest state where there is no particular object, no thoughts – just a continuous run of the mind in a fixed area – till ultimately it makes the mind stop. This is just the description at the beginning.
Asamprajanata Samadhi is where there is no object at all. The very thoughts are liquidated. The awareness remains. This takes us to the final stage, where the thinking itself is given up. One remains just conscious but not of any object.
In Asamprajnata samadhi, all seeds of samkaras are destroyed or burnt fully. A yogi meditates on the mind itself and whenever a thought comes, strikes it down, allowing no thought to come into the mind. Dr. Jayadeva called it a complete stoppage of the mind.
Samadhi as Explained in The Bhagavad Geeta
The setting of the Bhagavad Geeta is in the middle of a war. In this spiritual text, samadhi is referred to as the perfect tranquility of mind. Arjuna had heard from Shri Krishna about the state of samadhi and he wishes to know more about a person who is in this state. He is also curious about how such a person who has attained samadhi behaves.
In shloka 2.54 in the second chapter of the Bhagavad Geeta, Arjuna questions Lord Krishna: “Krishna, what are the characteristics of a God-realised soul, stable of mind and established in Samadhi. How does the man of stable mind speak, how does he sit, how does he walk?”
In the following shlokas 55-61, Lord Krishna explains:
“When one thoroughly casts off all cravings of the mind, and is satisfied in the Self through the joy of the Self, he is then called stable of mind.
The sage, whose mind remains unperturbed amid sorrows, whose thirst for pleasures has altogether disappeared, and who is free from passion, fear and anger, is called stable of mind.
He who is not attached to anyone or anything, and meeting with good and evil, neither rejoices nor recoils, his mind is stable.
When, like a tortoise that draws in its limbs from all directions, he withdraws all his senses from the sense-objects, his mind becomes steady.
Sense-objects turn away from him, who does not enjoy them with his senses; but the taste for them persists. This relish also disappears in the case of the man of stable mind when he realizes the Supreme.
Turbulent by nature, the senses even of a wise man, who is practicing self-control, forcibly carry away his mind.
Therefore, having controlled all the senses and concentrating his mind, he should sit for meditation, devoting himself heart and soul to Me. For, he whose senses are under his control, is known to have a stable mind.”
According to the Bhagavad Geeta, when a seeker thoroughly casts off all cravings of the mind and is satisfied in the self through the joy of the self, he is then called of stable mind. The seeker is then like a witness firmly established in God, beyond all the gunas, and in the enlightened state. After giving up all the desires completely, a yogi is satisfied in oneself and is spontaneously contented in oneself having renounced all worldly things.
An Outline of the Path to Attaining Samadhi in Yoga
In order to attaining samadhi in yoga one requires discipline, patience, and unwavering dedication. Here are the essential steps according to great sages:
Overview
In India, ancient texts dating thousands of years ago, including Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Geeta reveal the means to achieve samadhi. It is a path which takes the seeker through various stages. It is believed that samadhi in yoga is the highest goal for a spiritual seeker. Understanding samadhi meaning and the types of samadhi in yoga, with the help of a Guru’s guidance, helps seekers in progressing towards deeper states of consciousness. Through meditation, devotion, and disciplined practice, great souls have walked this path of ultimate fulfillment. It is available for all those who seek sincerely.