Samadhi
In Sanskrit, Sama means "together" and Dhi means "mind," while Samadhi means "to direct together." This experience frees a person from the cycle of Karma meaning "actions," which are a result of Vasanas meaning "desires" and Sanskaras meaning "memories" and is the eighth limb in Patanjali's Eight-Fold Path.
This is an experience where the practitioner identifies as the Atman meaning "Self" and is also known as the Higher Self and the Soul, instead of identifying with the ego or lower self and is also referred to as the false self.
Within this experience the practitioner experiences the ecstasy of the Divine along with the experience of super conscious perception as the Atman perceives the entirety of existence within the universe. When this happens the veil that is distorting reality is lifted and the Atman is able to realize it is more then the conditioned mind and physical body.
The first stage is experienced during Meditation, where the practitioner transcend all mental activity. In this state, the concepts of time and space are altogether different, for a minute, an hour or more you are in another world. You notice that most everything happens spontaneously for you, your inner being operates in a dynamic and confident manner, you remain undisturbed by your thoughts and ideas. However this is not yet a permanent state.
This stage has four stages within it.
Stage 1. of Savikalpa Samadhi Sarvitarka SamadhiMeaning “with doubt" or "conjecture” and in this stage the mind totally focuses on the entire aspect of a physical object. This is defined as “examination” or "learning the inner secrets” of the object. In this stage, every aspect of the object is understood and you gain full knowledge of the physical object. Patanjali describes this stage as a mind that is argumentative or filled with doubt and is mixed with an intuitive experience.
Meaning “with reasoning" or "thought” and in this stage the mind moves beyond the outer layers of the object and the subtle aspects of objects are contemplated. The abstract qualities such as beauty, love, sound, texture, form, flavor, etc. of the object begin to be understood. Patanjali describes this stage as an intellect that is guided by discrimination and is mixed with an intuitive experience.
Meaning “with joy” and in this stage the mind is devoid of the objective world, you move beyond the intellect. There is no reasoning or reflection, just the tranquility of the settled mind. The pure mind is only aware of its own joy. The focus is on the inner powers of perception and within the mind itself. In this stage, the practitioner is filled with joyful peace and experiences everything blissfully. Patanjali describes this stage as becoming an internal part of the mental and spiritual being of the practitioner.
Meaning “with individuality” and in this stage the mind is fully awake with a witnessing of the material world with an awareness of the Divinity within. Patanjali describes this stage as an intuitice experience that is mix a unclouded awareness of being.
With this higher sate of awareness, the Consciousness remains after the ego or false self and Samskaras or mental impressions have been removed. There is no mind as you know it and the knower and the known become one. This is when you enjoy a supremely divine ecstasy because the heart is fully awake. This experience is similar to the Divine Consciousness which is described in the Shankara Tradition, where the practitioner is in a state of deep love for the world and everything in it, recognizing the Divinity within everything.
Dharmamegha or the Cloud of Virtue can not be gained by effort, it reveals itself when all effort has dissolved.
Related Raja Practices