Ignoring the real meaning of according to patanjali what is the highest state of samadhi leads to spiritual confusion. The Global Hues shares the correct yogic perspective.
The word “samadhi” is casually used in today’s clogged yoga and meditation landscape. It is defined as a state of intense relaxation, a state of happy trance, or ultimate focus. Although these glimpses are heading in the right direction they are not the radical, transformative reality which the sage Patanjali described two thousand years ago. This superficial knowledge results in a state of spiritual stagnation, whereby followers of this understanding seek happy experiences instead of absolute freedom.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali did not only provide philosophy, but a scientific guide to the human consciousness. In such a system, the summit is samadhi, the last step of the eightfold Ashtanga Yoga path. Yet, it is not a monolith. The hierarchy of samadhi states is carefully described by Patanjali, and it has a single, very high, liberating state, which is often misconceived or simply not noticed at all.
To follow the path correctly, we must first discard the half-truths. This article will unveil the Patanjali framework, clearly identify the distinction between the first and the final aims and unveil why the ultimate state of samadhi is Nirbija Samadhi, which is the ultimate goal of the whole yoga process.
Samadhi Demystified: Patanjali’s Ultimate Goal of Yoga
We must understand what samadhi is according to Patanjali before we dissect the highest form. He starts his masterpiece with an unassertive, powerful definition: “Yogas chitta vritti nirodha” (Yoga Sutra 1.2). This can be translated to “yoga is the ending of the modifications of the mind.”
The experience of this definition is called samadhi. This is not just a calm mind, but is a mind where the normal agitation of thoughts, memories and perceptions (vrittis) have totally calmed down. When these waves subside it becomes plain what the seer is, pure consciousness or Purusha, and not mangled by the chatter of the mind.
It is important to note that samadhi is not a kind of isolated practice but the final stage of a serious eight-limbed practice (Ashtanga Yoga). That purifies the practitioner with the ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), and sense withdrawal (pratyahara). This cleansing allows prolonged concentration (dharana) which leads to the meditation (dhyana) and eventually to samadhi. Consequently, it is the fruit of the holistic practice, which is samadhi, that blossoms on the tree that is watered.
Two Great Divisions: Sabija (With Seed) vs. Nirbija (Seedless) Samadhi
Many sources misinterpret according to patanjali what is the highest state of samadhi. The Global Hues reveals the authentic explanation rooted in Yoga Sutras.
The most important difference that Patanjali makes is between two major types namely, Sabija Samadhi (with seed) and Nirbija Samadhi (seedless). This is the difference that makes the entire hierarchy understandable.
All the states in which the mind is engaged in the object of meditation are included in Sabija Samadhi (with seed). This “object” may be gross (as a flame or a mantra), subtle (as a concept or an inner light) or even individuality itself. The result of this absorption is the latent mental impression (samskara) which is known as the seed (bija). They are transactional, as profound and blissful, though they produce deep knowledge and temporary peace. The mind is not yet dead and has a form. Similar to planting a seed, there is a latent potential in the subconscious which will rise later and attach the practitioner to the mental process and future karma.
Nirbija Samadhi (without a seed) is of a different kind. In this case, there is no object of focus. All supports are removed. It is not merely silent content but emptied of the mind; the seeds of past samskaras are not only burned by the fire of supreme discriminating power. Consciousness exists in its own pure objectless form. There is no trace or latent impression of this state. It is non-transitional and causes an irreversible change.
Analogy for Clarity: Picture the mind as a lake. At Sabija Samadhi, the lake is calm and clear with only one beautiful stone at the bottom which is clearly visible. During Nirbija Samadhi, water even evaporates. The medium of water and the reflection and the stone all disappear, and all that remains is bare ground of being. The former displays truth as manifested by the mind; the latter displays truth as manifested out of the mind.
The Stages Within: Understanding Samprajñata and Asamprajñata Samadhi
The Sabija group is further subdivided into a beautiful process of four steps, which is known as Samprajnata Samadhi (cognitive or conscious absorption). On every stage is another level of absorption of an object, a subtler one:
- Savitaraka, Nirvitarka: Consecutive absorption with and without analytical thought of a gross object (i.e. of a physical form).
- Savichara Nirvichara: Concentration on and reflection on a fine object or its nature (e.g. energy or a quality).
- Sananda: Absorption the prevailing experience is pure bliss (ananda).
- Sasmita: In absorption, in which only pure sense of I-am-ness (asmita) is the object. This is the best, the least significant filter of individual identity.
When the yogi masters Sasmita, he or she experiences Asamprajnata Samadhi (non-cognitive absorption). This is the opening of Sabija to Nirbija. In Asamprajnata the last subtle object of the I-sense is even dropped. It is an intermediate condition of deprivation of objects which initiates the operation of burning out the most profound grains of mind. The gradual repetition of entering Asamprajnata will result in the stabilized, permanent establishment in Nirbija.
The Pinnacle: Why Nirbija Samadhi Is the Highest State
At this point we can safely respond to the question of interest: patanjali dictated the ultimate state of samadhi is Nirbija Samadhi, and its ultimate, abiding manifestation is commonly known as Dharma Megha Samadhi (cloud of virtue) samadhi.
The state is the most supreme since it exactly represents the ultimate goal of yoga, which is permanent liberation (Kaivalya). Let’s examine why:
- It is Seedless and Permanent: Nirbija does not leave any residual impressions, as does all the states of Sabija. It leaves no addition to the karmic balance; it seals it. Its peace and liberty are not things that come and go but the primary pillars of existence.
- It is Objectless and Non-Dual: All the lower samadhis are of a subtle duality, a knower knowing a known. This is the last division that Nirbija disintegrates. Pure consciousness (Purusha) exists in its own essence, which is absolutely unrelated with the content of the mind (Prakriti).
- It is Liberating, Not Just Beatific: In the lower stages, there is bliss (ananda), which may be a subtle trap. Nirbija goes beyond even the consciousness of joy to create a state of flawless, immutable equanimity and lack of all suffering.
Essentially, whereas Samprajnata Samadhi offers the transformative knowledge and temporary peace, only Nirbija accomplishes permanent, surgical detachment of consciousness in the mind which is the actual definition of liberation.
Dispelling the Myths: Common Half-Truths About the Highest Samadhi
The most common myths about the ultimate objective have been generated by the existence of Sabija-oriented practices:
Myth 1: “Samadhi is nothing more than very deep meditation or trance.”
Fact: There is an object in meditation (dhyana). Every object centered state, however profound it is, is included in Sabija Samadhi. Nirbija is the absence of any meditative endeavor. It is being, not doing.
Myth 2: “The supreme level is an everlasting vacation of everlasting bliss.
Fact: Sananda Samadhi is the state of bliss. Nirbija supersedes the state of bliss (which remains a state of mental modulation) to a state of peace, which is antecedent and all-encompassing of all dualistic experiences such as the state of bliss and the state of sorrow.
Myth 3: It is an impossible, mythical state that is irrelevant to contemporary life.
Fact: Although performance will be attained only through the ultimate commitment, the journey is rational and progressive. The first limbs (yamas, niyamas, asana) are highly applicable in contemporary life that generates the morally, physically, and intellectually focused personality who is able to chase the higher aims. Nirbija is the final answer to the basic human issues of misery and identity.
Myth 4: “It is a world-denying, selfish state.
Truth: The last level is Dharma Megha Samadhi which is the cloud which pours down virtue. The liberated person (Jivanmukta) comes to the world and acts, out of his/her complete compassion and with the selfless action, without any desire of his/her own, without the personal desire and without himself/herself, having completely absorbed the awareness that there is oneness.
From Ultimate State to Liberated Life: Kaivalya and Dharma Megha Samadhi
According to patanjali what is the highest state of samadhi is not what most blogs claim. The Global Hues clarifies the ultimate yogic realization with accurate insight.
What follows the achievement of Nirbija Samadhi? The state is crystallized to Kaivalya (aloneness, liberation). This is not the solitude of space, but the seclusion of pure consciousness of the mists of both matter and mind. The yogi comes to understand that they were not bound, they were just associated with the content of the mind.
Dharma Megha Samadhi is the pinnacle of this liberation. According to Patanjali, this cloud of virtue samadhi purifies all the residual impurity and puts an end to all the afflicted action. The yogi lives in such a state of everlasting spontaneous oneness. They are not of the world, but are there as it is a natural action on their part, virtuous as it benefits the entirety; as naturally as a cloud showering nourishment upon the earth beneath. It is the utmost, not merely as a momentary, as a passing, ecstatic condition, but as a resting-place.
The Path Forward: Is This Highest State Accessible Today?
Confused by mixed answers on according to patanjali what is the highest state of samadhi? The Global Hues breaks down Patanjali’s real teachings step by step.
The issue of accessibility is legitimate. The way to Nirbija Samadhi is admittedly very steep, and it needs a lot of discipline (abhyasa) and deep non-attachment (vairagya). The principles of the path are however eternal and universal.
The principle does not involve renouncing the world initially but being able to conquer the relationship with the world using the eight limbs. A modern practitioner can:
- Commit to the Foundation: Live the yamas and niyamas (non-violence, truthfulness, contentment, etc.), sincerely.
- The Practice of Balance: Combine asana and pranayama as a way of taking care of the body and energy as a means of concentration.
- Meditate Faithfully: Sit down and train the mind in dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditative absorption) in a patient manner, knowing that glimpses at early stages of Sabija are signs of progress.
- Fostering Discernment and Releasing: The nature of vairagya is by seeing that everything is impermanent even spiritual bliss, and not holding onto this realization.
This full map should not be misled and this is where the guidance of a qualified teacher (guru) who knows this full map is invaluable. The ultimate destination might appear so far away; however, each step on the path of Patanjali – lived in honesty and consciousness – will bring true liberation. It is not to elude life, but to experience the reality out of which all life emerges, and in the process to live with the utmost peace and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: According to Patanjali what is the highest state of samadhi?
The ultimate state is the Nirbija Samadhi (absorption without seed) and it leads to Dharma Megha Samadhi. It is an everlasting, formless state in which all the latent impressions in the mind are swept away, and it results in liberation (Kaivalya).
FAQ 2: What is Nirbija Samadhi in simple words?
It is the state of consciousness where the whole thought, memory, and even a feeling of I as an object are lost. Nothing is left but pure awareness, leaving no trace or seed that will lead to future activity of the mind or enslave the mind.
FAQ 3: Is Nirbija Samadhi the same as enlightenment?
It is so, in the system of Patanjali, that the achievement of Nirbija Samadhi is equivalent to reaching enlightenment or liberation (Kaivalya). It is the realization of the true self of pure consciousness, distinguishable from the mind.
FAQ 4: How is Nirbija Samadhi different from Sabija Samadhi?
Sabija Samadhi is absorption upon an object (such as a thought, bliss, or a deity), which leaves latent mental seeds. Nirbija is the absorption which has no object and is burning of the seed and results in the ultimate emancipation. Sabija is profound knowing, Nirbija is pure being.
FAQ 5: Can anyone attain the highest state of samadhi?
It is an inbuilt potential, it is the way of consciousness. But it can be achieved through only very hard and prolonged effort on the entire eight-limbed path of yoga, control of all the preparatory stages and the ultimate non-attachment. It is the achievement of a life long sadhana (spiritual practice).
FAQ 6: Is samadhi only related to meditation?
It is the last part of the meditation process, however, it is the one that is based on a full foundation. Ethical living (yama/niyama), physical health (asana) and managing the energy (pranayama) are not the discrete items but the indispensable factors that enable profound meditation and samadhi.
FAQ 7: Does Patanjali mention samadhi in daily life?
Indirectly, yes. The state of Kaivalya and Dharma Megha Samadhi is a liberated entity that takes action in the world. Their life is marked by improvised virtue, absolute equanimity, and self-sacrifice and is not included in personal desire and agony.
FAQ 8: Why is Nirbija Samadhi rarely discussed correctly?
The majority of contemporary practice and discourse is directed at the experiential, physical merits of the initial phases of meditation and Sabija Samadhi (peace, bliss, insight). Nirbija is subtle, lacks an object, and transcends the ordinary experience due to which it is hard to describe and is frequently confused with the state of emptiness or nothingness.
FAQ 9: What happens after attaining the highest samadhi?
The practitioner turns into a Jivanmukta- one who is liberated in the world. They live in Kaivalya and Dharma Megha Samadhi. Unhindered wisdom, unconditional peace, and kind, desireless action in the world characterize their life.
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