Attaining Samadhi: The Journey into Higher Consciousness

 

Introduction

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Samadhi is described as the highest state of consciousness, where the yogi transcends the fluctuations of the mind and rests in pure awareness. It is the culmination of yogic practice, achieved after the removal of vrittis (mental modifications). Samadhi is not a single state but a progression through various stages, each leading the practitioner deeper into the essence of truth and self-realization. Among these stages are Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, Nirvichara, Ananda, and Asmita Samadhi, ultimately extending to the subtle state of Alinga.

Savitarka Samadhi

The first state of the super-conscious mind is Savitarka Samadhi. In this stage, the mind engages simultaneously with three distinct elements: the word (sabda), the meaning (artha), and the knowledge (jnana) related to that word. Through deep meditation, the yogi learns to separate these elements, achieving clarity and purity of mind. This separation allows the practitioner to perceive reality more directly, without confusion between language, concepts, and knowledge. Savitarka Samadhi thus marks the beginning of higher meditative absorption.

Nirvitarka Samadhi

Progressing further, the yogi enters Nirvitarka Samadhi, where memory becomes purified and the modifications of the mind lose their form. In this state, the mind illuminates only the meaning of the object, while the word and the knowledge associated with it disappear. What remains is the bare essence of the object, free from conceptual overlays. Nirvitarka Samadhi represents a deeper absorption, where the practitioner experiences truth without the interference of language or intellectual constructs.

Other Forms of Samadhi

1.     Savichara Samadhi: After Nirvitarka, the yogi advances to Savichara Samadhi. Here, meditation is based on reflection, without any form present. The mind alternates between subtle ideas, time, and space, engaging in contemplative analysis of finer realities.

2.     Nirvichara Samadhi: This is a profound meditative state where consciousness transcends even subtle thoughts (vicharas) about an object. The yogi experiences direct, unmediated awareness of the object’s true nature, beyond reflection or analysis. Nirvichara Samadhi is considered a gateway to the highest forms of realization.

3.     Ananda Samadhi: In this stage, the yogi experiences absolute peace and bliss. The mind is absorbed in pure joy, free from suffering or distraction. Ananda Samadhi reflects the deep serenity that arises when consciousness is united with the essence of existence.

4.     Asmita Samadhi: The final stage in this sequence is Asmita Samadhi, where awareness becomes absolutely pure. There is no thought, no awareness of time or space only the realization of pure consciousness itself. The yogi experiences the essence of “I-am-ness,” detached from all external forms.

Extent of Samadhi

The experiences of Ananda and Asmita Samadhi extend up to Alinga, the subtle state where the three gunas (qualities of nature) are mixed equally. At this point, the subtle nature of objects reaches only up to Mula Prakrti, the primal nature. From Mula Prakṛti arises the entire visible universe as we experience it. Thus, Alinga represents the threshold between manifest creation and the unmanifest source.

Conclusion

Attaining Samadhi is the pinnacle of yogic practice, guiding the seeker from conceptual engagement in Savitarka to pure awareness in Asmita, and ultimately to the subtle state of Alinga. Each stage refines the mind, dissolves distractions, and brings the yogi closer to union with the eternal self. Patanjali’s description of these stages provides a roadmap for spiritual aspirants, showing that yoga is not merely physical discipline but a profound journey into the depths of consciousness.