YOGA ASANA: Conception of Samadhi : In Hinduism and Buddhism

Dayodaya, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
Mahavir Swami

Samadhi, the pinnacle of meditative absorption and spiritual realization, is a central concept in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Often misunderstood as merely a state of deep meditation or trance, Samadhi is much more than mental stillness.

It is a gateway to transcendence — a state where the meditator merges with the object of meditation, and ultimately, with pure consciousness or ultimate reality.

In the yogic and spiritual traditions of India, the term Samadhi refers to the final limb of the Ashtanga Yoga system, as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It represents the culmination of the meditative journey — a union of individual consciousness with the universal self.

However, this union doesn't happen all at once. There are multiple types and stages of Samadhi, each representing a deeper level of absorption and realization.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types and stages of Samadhi from both Hindu and Buddhist perspectives, highlighting their characteristics, significance, and how they reflect the evolution of consciousness in the spiritual seeker.

Within the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy, particularly in the profound systems of Yoga and Vedanta, the concept of Samadhi stands as a pivotal attainment on the spiritual path. Samadhi, often translated as meditative absorption, superconscious state, or enlightenment, represents a state of profound mental concentration and equanimity. It is not merely a deep meditative state but a transformative experience where the mind transcends its usual fluctuating nature and merges with the object of contemplation, or ultimately, with pure consciousness itself. This profound state is broadly categorized into two main classifications, reflecting a natural progression in spiritual development: Samadhi with an object of meditation and Samadhi without an object of meditation.

Samadhi with an Object of Meditation: The Seeded Absorption

The first broad classification is known by several interchangeable terms, each highlighting a specific nuance: Sabija Samadhi, Savikalpa Samadhi, or Samprajnata Samadhi. All these terms refer to meditative absorption that is "with seed" or "with an object of meditation." In this stage, the meditator's mind is still focused on a specific point of concentration. This object can take various forms, serving as a powerful anchor for the wavering mind. It might be a physical object, a mental image, a mantra (a sacred sound or phrase), a deity, a chakra (energy center in the body), or even a philosophical concept.
The "seed" in Sabija Samadhi refers to the presence of this object of meditation. It is like a seed from which future mental impressions and experiences can arise. While the mind is profoundly absorbed and steady, there is still a subtle dualism: the meditator (subject) is aware of the object of meditation (object). This is a crucial distinction. The mind, though deeply concentrated, retains some level of differentiation and conceptualization regarding the object.
Within Samprajnata Samadhi itself, Yoga philosophy, especially as expounded in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, further delineates several substages, each representing increasing subtlety of concentration. These include Vitarka Samadhi (gross contemplation, focusing on a concrete object), Vichara Samadhi (subtle contemplation, focusing on subtler aspects of the object), Ananda Samadhi (blissful contemplation, characterized by a feeling of joy and serenity), and Asmita Samadhi (I-am-ness contemplation, where the focus shifts to the pure sense of existence itself, devoid of external attributes). Each of these substages refines the mind's ability to concentrate, leading to a deeper and more subtle absorption in the chosen object. The purpose of these stages is to purify the mind, quiet its incessant fluctuations (vrittis), and prepare it for the ultimate dissolution of all mental constructs.

Samadhi Without an Object of Meditation: The Seedless Absorption

The pinnacle of meditative absorption is represented by the second broad classification: Nirbija Samadhi, Nirvikalpa Samadhi, or Asamprajnata Samadhi. These terms signify meditative absorption that is "without seed" or "without an object." In this profound state, the mind transcends all distinctions, all concepts, and all objects of meditation. The "seed" is gone, meaning there are no residual mental impressions or attachments that could give rise to future experiences of duality.
Nirbija Samadhi is a state of pure, undifferentiated awareness. There is no longer a subject-object split; the meditator, the process of meditation, and the object of meditation all merge into a unified, non-dual experience. This is a state of profound stillness, beyond thought, emotion, and even the sense of individual self. The ego dissolves, and what remains is an experience of pure consciousness, often described as infinite, eternal, and blissful.
This transition from Sabija to Nirbija Samadhi signifies a monumental leap in spiritual evolution. It represents the transcending of all mental constructs, all conditionings, and all limitations imposed by the phenomenal world. In Nirbija Samadhi, the yogi is said to experience their true nature as Brahman (the ultimate reality) or Atman (the true self), realizing their inherent oneness with the cosmos. This state is not a void or an unconscious trance; rather, it is described as a superconscious state, intensely aware yet free from any specific focus. It is the cessation of all mental modifications (chitta vritti nirodhah), leading to the abiding of the seer in its own true nature (svarupe avasthanam).

The Spiritual Progression and the Pursuit of Liberation

This fundamental distinction between Samadhi with and without an object beautifully illustrates a profound spiritual progression inherent in Hindu philosophy. It mirrors the journey from duality to non-duality, from the conditioned mind to unconditioned awareness. Sabija Samadhi serves as a crucial training ground, disciplining the mind and developing the unwavering concentration necessary for deeper states. It systematically refines the mind's ability to focus, gradually withdrawing it from external distractions and internal chatter. Each successive stage of Sabija Samadhi purifies the mind, making it increasingly subtle and capable of perceiving higher truths.
Nirbija Samadhi, on the other hand, is the ultimate culmination. It is the gateway to moksha (liberation), the supreme goal in many Hindu traditions. In this state, the cycle of birth and death (samsara) is broken, as the individual consciousness realizes its true, unchanging, and eternal nature. It is a state of profound freedom from suffering, attachment, and the illusion of separate existence.
Understanding these stages offers invaluable insights into how consciousness evolves in the pursuit of this ultimate liberation. It is not a sudden leap but a gradual, systematic unfolding of awareness, guided by disciplined practice and profound introspection. The journey from focusing on an external object to realizing the formless essence of being reflects the core tenet of Hindu spirituality: that the divine is not merely external but is intrinsically intertwined with one's own deepest self. The path of Samadhi is thus the path of self-discovery, leading to the profound realization of unity and the ultimate transcendence of all limitations.

1. Savikalpa Samadhi: The First Step Into Higher Consciousness

Savikalpa Samadhi, also referred to as Sabija Samadhi or Samprajnata Samadhi, represents the initial and foundational type of Samadhi within various Hindu philosophical systems, particularly Yoga and Vedanta. The term "Savikalpa" itself is significant, translating from Sanskrit as "with distinctions" or "with thought constructs." This implies that even in this deeply absorbed state, the mind, while highly focused, still operates with certain conceptual frameworks and maintains a degree of duality.

In Savikalpa Samadhi, the meditator continues to hold onto a sense of individual identity. While concentration is profound, there remains an awareness of duality, meaning the distinction between the observer, the process of observation, and the object being observed is still subtly present. This "seed" (Sabija) of mental activity, or the object of meditation, is what differentiates it from the more advanced states of Samadhi.

Key Characteristics of Savikalpa Samadhi:

The mind remains active, though highly concentrated: Unlike the complete stillness of higher Samadhi, the mind in Savikalpa is intensely focused on a single point but not entirely devoid of mental operations. It's a state of profound one-pointedness, where distractions are minimized, but a subtle undercurrent of thought related to the object of meditation persists.
The ego (ahamkara) is still subtly present: While the ego's usual dominance is significantly reduced, the sense of "I" as a distinct entity performing the meditation is not fully dissolved. There's a subtle awareness of "me" meditating "on" something.
There is bliss, but it is not all-encompassing or ego-transcending: Meditators in Savikalpa Samadhi experience profound peace and joy, a state of ananda (bliss). However, this bliss is often connected to the object of meditation or the experience itself, rather than being a pure, unconditioned state that transcends individual identity entirely.
Awareness of the body and surroundings may still linger: While deeply absorbed, there can be a faint background awareness of the physical body or the immediate environment, though it's greatly attenuated compared to normal waking consciousness.
The meditator experiences divine connection, but not full union: When meditating on a deity or the concept of Brahman, the practitioner feels an intense closeness, devotion, and connection to the divine. Yet, there is still a subtle sense of separation—the practitioner is connecting with God, rather than being fully unified as God.

In essence, in Savikalpa Samadhi, the yogi experiences profound peace, bliss, and clarity, yet the threefold process of knowing (knower, knowing, and known) is still intact. For instance, a meditator focusing on a mantra might feel an intense connection to its vibration and meaning, but they are still subtly aware that they are the one repeating the mantra.

Philosophical texts describe this stage as a temporary merging with Brahman or the divine. Although powerful and transformative, providing deep insight and purification, this state still involves mental activity (even if highly refined), and thus, is not considered the final goal of spiritual practice. It is a vital stepping stone, preparing the mind for the ultimate absorption of Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

2. Nirvikalpa Samadhi: The Peak of Meditative Absorption

After prolonged practice and deepening of inner focus, the practitioner may enter Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the highest form of meditative absorption in many Hindu traditions.

Nirvikalpa means "without distinctions" or "beyond thoughts." It is synonymous with Nirbija Samadhi (seedless Samadhi) and Asamprajnata Samadhi (beyond cognition). In this stage, all mental modifications (vrittis) cease, and the individual self merges entirely into pure awareness.

Nirvikalpa Samadhi, often considered the highest state of meditative absorption in Hindu and Yogic philosophy, represents a profound and transformative experience. It is a state where the mind transcends all its usual operations and distinctions, leading to an encounter with pure, unconditioned reality. Understanding its key characteristics is crucial to grasping the depth of this spiritual attainment.

No Mental Activity: The Stillness Beyond Thought

One of the most defining characteristics of Nirvikalpa Samadhi is the complete cessation of all mental activity. Unlike ordinary waking, dreaming, or even deep sleep states, the mind in Nirvikalpa Samadhi becomes absolutely still. This is not a state of unconsciousness, but rather a superconscious awareness where thoughts, emotions, memories, and perceptions cease to arise. The incessant chatter of the mind, known as chitta vrittis in Yoga philosophy, dissolves entirely. Imagine a perfectly calm lake, without a single ripple disturbing its surface; this analogy often describes the mind in Nirvikalpa Samadhi. This profound stillness allows for an unadulterated experience of reality, uncolored by the usual filters of the individual mind.

The Dissolution of Ego: Vanishing Individual Identity

In this exalted state, the ego dissolves, and individual identity vanishes. The sense of "I" or "me," which typically defines our personal existence and separates us from others, ceases to operate. The boundaries of the individual self, built on countless experiences and identifications, break down. This doesn't mean annihilation, but rather a transcendence of the limited ego-self to a broader, all-encompassing awareness. The feeling of being a separate entity, distinct from the rest of existence, fades away, leading to a profound sense of interconnectedness.

No Distinction Between Subject and Object: Pure Oneness

A hallmark of Nirvikalpa Samadhi is the absence of any distinction between subject and object. In our daily experience, we constantly perceive the world as separate from ourselves—there is "me" (the subject) looking at "that" (the object). In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, this fundamental duality collapses. The observer and the observed merge into a unified, non-dual experience. This is why it is often described as a state of pure oneness. The meditator no longer perceives an object of meditation, nor is there a sense of a separate meditator; all distinctions are transcended, leading to a direct experience of unity with everything.

Pure Consciousness Alone Remains: The Essence of Being

When mental activity ceases, the ego dissolves, and the subject-object distinction vanishes, what remains is pure consciousness alone. This is the unconditioned, ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman in Vedanta or the true Self (Atman) in Yoga. It is not consciousness of something, but pure consciousness itself—unbounded, infinite, and inherently luminous. This is the essence of being, stripped of all temporary and conditioned attributes. It is the fundamental ground of existence, pristine and eternal.

An Experience of Infinite Bliss and Oneness: Beyond Description

Nirvikalpa Samadhi is consistently described as an experience of infinite bliss and oneness. While words can only approximate this state, those who have experienced it speak of an overwhelming sense of joy, peace, and absolute contentment that far surpasses any worldly happiness. This isn't a fleeting emotion, but a fundamental state of being. The oneness experienced is not just an intellectual understanding but a direct, experiential realization of unity with all of existence, leading to an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and liberation. It is the ultimate goal for many spiritual seekers, offering a profound glimpse into the true nature of reality and the self.

This Samadhi is considered the direct experience of Brahman, the formless, infinite reality. It is beyond description, beyond thought, and beyond emotion. For most spiritual aspirants, this state is temporary, and sustaining it requires lifetimes of disciplined practice.

3. Sahaja Nirvikalpa Samadhi: The Natural, Continuous State

While Nirvikalpa Samadhi is often described as a temporary but transformative experience, some realized beings enter what is known as Sahaja Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

Sahaja means “natural” or “spontaneous.” Sahaja Samadhi is not a state achieved through effort, but rather a permanent integration of non-dual awareness into daily life.

According to ancient texts like the Tripura Rahasya, this is the true, natural state of every being — a background awareness that underlies waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. In Sahaja Samadhi:

There is no return to ego-consciousness after meditation.
The sense of separation is permanently dissolved.
The practitioner lives in a state of unbroken inner peace and spontaneous wisdom.

While Nirvikalpa Samadhi is like diving deep into the ocean and then surfacing again, Sahaja Samadhi is like becoming the ocean itself — forever still, deep, and unshaken by surface waves.

4. Other Types of Samadhi in Hinduism

In addition to Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa Samadhi, Hindu spiritual literature refers to several other types of Samadhi that highlight the diversity of experiences on the spiritual path.

Sahaja Samadhi

As mentioned above, Sahaja Samadhi is a spontaneous and effortless state.
Often achieved by advanced yogis, saints, and mystics.
No effort or formal meditation is required anymore.

Bhava Samadhi

Common in Bhakti Yoga traditions.
Arises from intense devotional emotion.
The practitioner is absorbed in divine love, often resulting in tears, dancing, or trance-like states.
Saints like Mirabai and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are known to have experienced Bhava Samadhi.

Mahasamadhi

Refers to the conscious departure from the physical body by an enlightened master.
Considered the final act of liberation.
The being merges permanently with Brahman, leaving the cycle of birth and death behind.
Great spiritual figures like Sri Ramana Maharshi and Paramahansa Yogananda entered Mahasamadhi.

Samadhi in Buddhism: The Four Jhanas

In Buddhism, the concept of Samadhi is explored through the system of the Four Jhanas (Pali: jhāna), which represent successive levels of meditative absorption. These stages are not identical to Hindu Samadhi but share common elements, particularly in their progressive refinement of mental states.

The Four Jhanas Explained:

First Jhana:

Characterized by withdrawal from sensory distractions.
Includes applied and sustained thought, joy (piti), and pleasure (sukha).
The mind becomes focused and calm.

Second Jhana:

Thought ceases; only joy and pleasure remain.
Concentration deepens; mental effort reduces.
More stable and peaceful than the first Jhana.

Third Jhana:

Joy (piti) fades; only equanimity and contentment remain.
A sense of balance arises, free from elation.

Fourth Jhana:

All pleasant sensations fade.
The meditator enters pure equanimity and mindfulness.
This is often seen as a launchpad to deeper insights or vipassana.

While Buddhism doesn’t focus on merging with a divine being, the Jhanas guide practitioners to transcend ordinary consciousness, leading to nirvana, the ultimate liberation from suffering.

Common Ground: Hindu and Buddhist Approaches to Samadhi

Despite differences in terminology and metaphysics, both Hinduism and Buddhism describe Samadhi as a transformative experience that:

Goes beyond thought and conceptualization.
Dissolves the sense of individual ego.
Leads to inner peace, bliss, and equanimity.
Requires deep meditation and moral discipline.
Ultimately, reveals a reality beyond the ordinary mind.

In Hinduism, this reality is often referred to as Brahman, the eternal self. In Buddhism, it is seen as emptiness (śūnyatā) or non-self (anattā). Yet both traditions guide seekers through progressive stages of awareness, leading toward ultimate realization and liberation.

Conclusion: The Journey Through Samadhi

The journey through the types and stages of Samadhi is not merely a theoretical construct — it is a practical roadmap for spiritual evolution. From the focused concentration of Savikalpa Samadhi to the formless vastness of Nirvikalpa Samadhi, and ultimately to the seamless awareness of Sahaja Samadhi, the path of meditation leads the seeker from duality to unity, from thought to silence, from self to Self.

By understanding these stages, we can better appreciate the depth of the meditative journey, whether we approach it through the devotional heart of Bhakti Yoga, the disciplined mind of Raja Yoga, or the insight-based mindfulness of Buddhist meditation.

No matter the tradition, Samadhi stands as the universal goal of inner transformation — an awakening to the boundless, ever-present reality that lies beyond the mind.

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