Understanding Samprajnata Samadhi
Definition: Samprajnata Samadhi is a state of deep, focused meditation where the object of contemplation becomes vividly clear and fully revealed to the practitioner. It is a form of cognitive samadhi, meaning it involves active awareness and cognition of the meditative object.
Mental Focus: In this state, while most of the usual mental distractions and thoughts are suppressed, the awareness of the object of meditation remains very active. For example, if a practitioner is meditating on a candle flame, their mind is entirely concentrated on the flame, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.
Comparison to the Definition of Yoga
Yoga Sutras 1.2: According to the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, yoga is defined as "chittavritti-nirodha," which translates to the "suppression of the modifications of the mind." In simpler terms, yoga aims to quiet the mind and stop the constant flow of thoughts.
Samprajnata Samadhi's Place in Yoga: While samprajnata samadhi achieves a high level of focus and mental clarity, it does not completely align with the strictest definition of yoga. This is because the mind is still actively engaged with the object of meditation, meaning there is still one remaining mental modification: the focus on the object.
Why Samprajnata Samadhi is Considered a Lower State
Active Mental Engagement: Since the mind is still actively engaged with the object of meditation, samprajnata samadhi is considered a lower state of samadhi compared to higher states where even this last mental activity is transcended.
Higher States of Samadhi: In higher states of samadhi, known as asamprajnata samadhi or nirvikalpa samadhi, there are no active mental modifications. The mind is completely silent, and the practitioner experiences pure consciousness without any specific focus.
Key Points for Simplification
- Focused Meditation: Samprajnata samadhi involves deep meditation with a clear, vivid focus on one object.
- Mental Clarity: Most distractions are eliminated, but the mind remains actively aware of the meditation object.
- Definition of Yoga: True yoga aims to stop all mental activity, not just distractions.
- Lower State: Because the mind is still active in samprajnata samadhi, it is seen as a lower state compared to higher forms of meditation where all mental activities cease.
By understanding these points, one can appreciate the significance of samprajnata samadhi in the practice of yoga, as well as its place within the broader context of achieving complete mental stillness and higher states of consciousness.