Types of Samadhi as Mentioned in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras!
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, there are different levels or kinds of Samadhi, which can be experienced by the practitioner. These are:
Asamprajnata Samadhi: This is the highest state of Samadhi and is characterized by a complete absorption in the object of meditation. The mind is completely still, and all thoughts and distractions disappear. In this state, the individual experiences a deep sense of peace, happiness, and unity with the universe. The experience of Asamprajnata Samadhi is said to be beyond words and indescribable, and the individual feels a deep sense of oneness with the divine consciousness.
Samprajnata Samadhi: This is a lower state of Samadhi, but is still considered to be a profound state of meditation. In this state, the individual experiences a deep concentration and absorption in the object of meditation, but is still aware of the physical and mental states. The individual may still have some thoughts and distractions, but they are not strong enough to interfere with the meditation. The experience of Samprajnata Samadhi is said to be peaceful and calming, and the individual feels a deep sense of connection with the divine consciousness.
Savitarka Samadhi: This is a preliminary state of Samadhi and is characterized by a deep concentration and absorption in the object of meditation, but the individual is still able to distinguish between the object of meditation and the thoughts and distractions that arise. In this state, the individual is able to focus their mind on the object of meditation, but the mind is still somewhat active and the individual is still aware of their surroundings.
Nirvitarka Samadhi: This is a higher state of Samadhi than Savitarka, and is characterized by the individual’s ability to transcend the mental and verbal dualities. In this state, the individual experiences a deep sense of unity and oneness with the universe and the mind is completely still. The experience of Nirvitarka Samadhi is said to be peaceful and calming, and the individual feels a deep connection with the divine consciousness.
Savichara Samadhi: This is a state of Samadhi in which the individual experiences a deep concentration and absorption in the object of meditation, but is still able to distinguish between the object of meditation and the thoughts and distractions that arise. In this state, the individual is able to focus their mind on the object of meditation, but the mind is still somewhat active and the individual is still aware of their surroundings.
Nirvichara Samadhi: This is a higher state of Samadhi than Savichara, and is characterized by the individual’s ability to transcend the mental and verbal dualities. In this state, the individual experiences a deep sense of unity and oneness with the universe, and the mind is completely still. The experience of Nirvichara Samadhi is said to be peaceful and calming, and the individual feels a deep connection with the divine consciousness.
It is important to note that the journey from one state of Samadhi to the next is a gradual and progressive process. The practitioner must work through the different states of Samadhi, developing their meditation practice and purifying their mind and body, in order to reach the highest state of Asamprajnata Samadhi. The practice of yoga is a lifelong journey, and the goal of reaching Samadhi is considered to be the ultimate achievement in the practice of yoga.
