Introduction

In the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Samadhi is described as the eighth and final limb of Ashtanga Yoga. It is the state of ultimate bliss, unity, and self-realization. Samadhi is not just meditation — it is the culmination of the entire yogic path, where the practitioner transcends the fluctuations of the mind and dissolves the ego, merging with infinite consciousness.

At Mimamsa Yoga School Rishikesh, students are guided step by step toward experiencing inner stillness, higher awareness, and eventually glimpses of Samadhi through the practice of meditation, pranayama, mindfulness, and yogic philosophy.

What is Samadhi in Patanjali Yoga Sutras?

In Yoga Sutra 3.3, Patanjali defines Samadhi as:

(Tadeva arthamatra nirbhasam svarupa shunyam iva samadhih)

This means that in Samadhi, the mind becomes one with the object of meditation, free from distractions and devoid of individual ego. The practitioner no longer feels separate but experiences oneness with the universe.

Unlike meditation, which requires effort, Samadhi is a state of effortless being — beyond thoughts, beyond time, beyond duality.

Stages of Samadhi in Patanjali Yoga Sutras

Patanjali describes two broad categories of Samadhi:

1. Savikalpa Samadhi (With Thoughts or Seeds)

In this stage, the mind is deeply concentrated but still retains subtle impressions. It has four levels:

• Savitarka Samadhi - Meditation on physical or gross objects.
• Savichara Samadhi - Focus on subtle concepts or ideas.
• Sananda Samadhi - State of deep joy and bliss.
• Sasmita Samadhi - Awareness of pure existence without ego.

2. Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Beyond Thoughts, Seedless Samadhi)

• The mind becomes completely still.
• No concepts, no forms, no ego — only pure consciousness.
• It is the ultimate state of liberation (Moksha).

These stages highlight the progressive deepening of awareness, from concentration on form to absolute formlessness.

Purpose of Samadhi

The ultimate purpose of Samadhi is Self-Realization. Through this state, the yogi realizes that the true essence of life is not the body or mind but pure consciousness.

Benefits include:

• Liberation from the cycle of suffering (Dukkha).
• Experiencing unity with the cosmos.
• Unshakable peace and joy.
• Attaining spiritual freedom (Moksha).

Techniques to Approach Samadhi

Although Samadhi cannot be forced, Patanjali suggests preparing the body and mind through consistent yogic practices:

1. Deep Meditation (Dhyana)

• Practicing one-pointed concentration.
• Observing breath, mantra, or awareness itself.

2. Pranayama (Breath Mastery)

• Techniques like Anulom Vilom and Kumbhaka calm the nervous system.
• Prepares the mind for stillness.

3. Self-Inquiry (Svadhyaya)

• Observing thoughts without attachment.
• Asking: “Who am I?” to transcend the ego.

4. Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)

• Surrendering to the divine through chanting, prayer, and rituals.
• Cultivating humility and openness to grace.

5. Mindfulness in Daily Life

• Living with awareness, gratitude, and simplicity.
• Bringing meditation into every action.

Benefits of Samadhi

Samadhi is the highest achievement of yoga, bringing transformative benefits:

• Profound inner peace and bliss.
• Freedom from stress, anxiety, and attachment.
• Heightened spiritual awareness and clarity.
• Realization of the true self beyond body and mind.
• Oneness with universal energy.
• Attaining Moksha (liberation) — the ultimate goal of yoga.

Samadhi in Daily Life

While full Samadhi may take years of practice, its essence can be experienced in daily living:

• Being mindful in conversations, eating, and walking.
• Detaching from unnecessary worries and negative thoughts.
• Practicing gratitude and compassion.
• Spending time in silence and connecting with inner stillness.
• Choosing presence over distractions.

Even a few moments of deep awareness in the present moment can reflect the essence of Samadhi.

How Mimamsa Yoga School Rishikesh Guides Students Toward Samadhi

At Mimamsa Yoga School Rishikesh, we help students gradually prepare for higher states of meditation and Samadhi through:

• 200-Hour, 300-Hour & 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses.
• Daily practice of asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
• Yoga Nidra and guided meditation sessions for deep relaxation.
• Study of Patanjali Yoga Sutras and philosophy.
• Mantra chanting, Bhakti yoga, and sound healing.
• Silent retreats for deeper self-exploration.

Students not only learn about Samadhi intellectually but also cultivate experiences that bring them closer to it.

Conclusion

Samadhi, the eighth limb of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, is the crown jewel of yoga — a state where the seeker merges with infinite consciousness, transcending the ego and realizing the ultimate truth.

At Mimamsa Yoga School Rishikesh, we support students in this profound journey by offering practical techniques, deep philosophical insights, and transformative practices. Through dedication and guidance, every seeker can move closer to the experience of Samadhi — the eternal state of peace, bliss, and liberation.

Discover the complete path of yoga in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras here.