Samadhi Stages Unfolded: Samadhi Practice- Yoga Sutra 1.17
Deep Dive into Samadhi Stages
To fully appreciate the advanced stages of Samadhi, it’s essential to revisit the foundational practices outlined in earlier sutras. Patanjali emphasizes the importance of preparing the mind through ethical disciplines (Yamas and Niyamas), mastering Chitta Vritti (mental fluctuations), and cultivating focused meditation (Dharana). These preparatory stages are crucial for stabilizing the mind, fostering detachment, and cultivating discernment—qualities that serve as the bedrock for deeper meditative experiences like Sananda, Sasmita, and Asmita Samadhi. Without a strong foundation, progress to these advanced stages risks becoming unsteady or misguided.
Samadhi Stages Unfolded: Advanced Stages of Meditation
As we explore the advanced stages of Samadhi, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential obstacles that can arise on the spiritual journey. One such obstacle is the allure of Siddhis, or occult powers, which can distract the practitioner from the ultimate goal of liberation. However, by understanding the nature of Siddhis and their role in the spiritual journey, we can better appreciate the importance of cultivating detachment and discernment in our pursuit of Samadhi.
Beyond the four varieties of Samprajnata Samadhi, through Samadhi Stages Unfolded, the journey of meditation reveals even more profound and sublime states of consciousness. The next two stages of meditation, Sananda Samadhi and Sasmita Samadhi, represent deeper layers in the progression of Samadhi Stages Unfolded, where the practitioner experiences a higher level of bliss, connection, and unity with the universe.
Sananda Samadhi: The Stage of Blissful Meditation
Sananda (with joy) Samadhi, the fifth stage of Samprajnata Samadhi, is characterized by an intense experience of bliss and joy. In this stage, the practitioner’s mind is filled with a sense of delight and wonder, as they experience a deep connection with the universe. Sananda Samadhi represents a major milestone in the journey of meditation, as the practitioner begins to experience the inherent bliss and happiness that lies within.
Sasmita: The Stage of Ego-Transcendence
Sasmita (with smile) Samadhi, the sixth stage of Samprajnata Samadhi, represents an even more advanced level of meditation, where the practitioner transcends the limitations of the ego and experiences a sense of unity with the universe. In this stage, the practitioner’s sense of individuality softens, allowing for a deepened sense of connection and harmony with all of existence.
The Role of Samprajnata Samadhi in Advanced Meditation
Samadhi Stages plays a crucial role in navigating the advanced phases of meditation, serving as a foundation for the deeper experiences of bliss, connection, and unity that arise in Sananda Samadhi and Sasmita Samadhi. By mastering the key elements in Samadhi Stages Unfolded, the practitioner creates a solid foundation for the next stages of meditation, allowing them to experience the full depth and richness of the meditative state.
Asmita Samadhi and the Experience of Higher Level of Consciousness
Asmita Samadhi represents an advanced state of meditation, where the practitioner begins to move beyond subtle identities and ego, approaching a state of refined awareness. In this stage, the practitioner experiences a clearer connection with the universe, gradually freeing themselves from the limitations and conditioning of the individual self.
Characteristics of Asmita Samadhi
Asmita Samadhi is characterized by several key features:
- Transcendence of Ego: The practitioner’s sense of individuality and ego dissolves, allowing for a direct experience of the universe.
- Focus on Pure Consciousness: The mind becomes completely absorbed in pure consciousness, unencumbered by thoughts, emotions, or distractions.
- Connection with the Universe: The practitioner experiences a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness with all of existence.
- Freedom from Conditioning: The practitioner transcends the limitations and conditioning of the individual self, experiencing a sense of liberation and freedom.
The Significance of Asmita Samadhi in the Journey of Self-Discovery
Asmita Samadhi represents a major milestone in the journey of self-discovery, as the practitioner gains insight into the true nature of the self and the universe. By transcending the boundaries of the individual self, the practitioner experiences a profound sense of expansion and liberation, allowing for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all existence.
The Pitfalls of Siddhis: A Cautionary Tale for Spiritual Seekers
On the advanced path of Samadhi, seekers encounter Siddhis—extraordinary abilities or occult powers that signify progress in spiritual practice. These abilities, such as telepathy and clairvoyance, reflect the expanding potential of the practitioner as they journey from the limited “me” toward the ultimate “Me.”. Patanjali cautions that while these abilities—ranging from telepathy to clairvoyance—may seem alluring, they pose significant risks to the spiritual journey. Siddhis are not an end in themselves; rather, they are distractions that can bind the practitioner to the material plane and reinforce attachment to worldly concerns.
The dual-edged nature of Siddhis is evident in their potential uses. While they can be employed for altruistic purposes, even positive applications keep the seeker tethered to the physical realm. Conversely, using Siddhis for harmful or selfish purposes can lead to a downward spiral, intensifying ego-driven tendencies and halting spiritual progress. These powers, regardless of intent, risk inflating the ego and steering practitioners away from the ultimate goal of yoga: liberation and self-realization.
The Allure of Siddhis

Siddhis, in plane terms called as occult powers, are extraordinary abilities that can arise as a result of intense spiritual practice. These powers can include telepathy, clairvoyance, and other forms of extrasensory perception. While they may seem impressive or even desirable, Patanjali and Vivekananda caution that the pursuit of Siddhis can lead to attachment, ego-inflation, and a strengthening of the very limitations that the spiritual seeker is trying to transcend.
The Dangers of Attachment to Siddhis
When we become attached to Siddhis, we can become trapped in a cycle of craving and attachment. This can lead to a strengthening of the ego, which is the very obstacle that we are trying to overcome on the spiritual path. Furthermore, the pursuit of Siddhis can distract us from the true goal of spiritual practice: the attainment of liberation and self-realization. As a result, the seeker risks halting their spiritual progress and may even regress, moving further away from the path of liberation.
The True Goal of Spiritual Practice
Patanjali emphasizes that the true goal of spiritual practice is not the attainment of Siddhis or occult powers, but rather the transcendence of the limitations of the individual self. This can only be achieved by cultivating a deep understanding of the nature of reality, and by developing the qualities of detachment, discernment, and self-awareness.
Personal and Societal Implications
In navigating the pitfalls of Siddhis, the seeker must remain steadfast in their focus on liberation, recognizing that true progress lies not in powers but in transcending the self and achieving inner freedom. Siddhis, though alluring, pose a significant challenge not only to personal spiritual growth but also to societal harmony.
On a personal level, attachment to Siddhis fosters ego inflation and distracts practitioners from their ultimate goal of self-realization. The misuse of these powers can lead to a downward spiral, reinforcing desires and entanglements with the material world. However, the impact of Siddhis extends beyond the individual, affecting society in profound ways.
When used responsibly, Siddhis may inspire faith, provide comfort, or even solve practical issues. Yet, when misused for manipulation, control, or personal gain, they can destabilize societal trust and ethical balance. The display of Siddhis can foster dependency among followers, undermine personal empowerment, and even lead to exploitation. Such societal consequences reinforce Patanjali’s warning that Siddhis, regardless of intent, are distractions that can derail both personal and collective spiritual progress.
Thus, while Siddhis may appear to hold transformative potential, true progress in yoga lies in detachment from these abilities, focusing instead on transcending the self and contributing to universal harmony and liberation.
The Journey of Samadhi: A Continuous Process
The advanced stages of Samadhi are not isolated achievements but a part of a continuous journey rooted in foundational practices. Without grounding in earlier stages like Chitta Vritti control and Yamas-Niyamas, these advanced states risk becoming theoretical abstractions. Building on the background explored in the previous blog, it becomes clear that each stage of Samadhi unfolds meaningfully only when integrated into the holistic framework of yoga, ensuring steady progress toward liberation.
Reflections on Deepening the Practice of Samprajnata Samadhi
Samadhi Stages Unfolded, including Samadhi like Sananda, Sasmita and Asmita, represent a transformative progression in meditative practice, leading to profound states of bliss, unity, and pure consciousness. However, as emphasized by Swami Vivekananda upon interpretation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the spiritual journey is not without its challenges. The pursuit of Siddhis can act as a significant distraction, pulling the practitioner away from the ultimate goal of liberation. By cultivating detachment, discernment, and unwavering focus on the higher purpose of yoga, practitioners can navigate these challenges and align themselves with the true essence of self-realization. In the next post, we will delve into the ultimate stages of Kaivalya, exploring how these advanced practices culminate in complete spiritual liberation. Stay tuned as we continue unraveling the profound wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
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Glossary of Terms
- Samadhi: A state of intense concentration and meditation where the practitioner experiences unity with the universal consciousness.
- Samprajnata Samadhi: A meditative state where the mind remains aware of an object of focus; divided into four types: Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, and Nirvichara.
- Sananda Samadhi: The fifth stage of Samprajnata Samadhi, characterized by an experience of bliss and joy.
- Sasmita Samadhi: The sixth stage of Samprajnata Samadhi, where the practitioner transcends the ego and experiences unity with the universe.
- Asmita Samadhi: A meditative state in which the practitioner transcends subtle identities and ego, focusing on pure consciousness.
- Siddhis: Extraordinary abilities or occult powers that arise as a result of intense spiritual practice, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and other forms of perception.
- Chitta Vritti: The fluctuations or modifications of the mind that yoga seeks to control.
- Yamas: Ethical disciplines in yoga that include principles like non-violence (Ahimsa) and truthfulness (Satya).
- Niyamas: Personal observances and practices in yoga, such as self-discipline (Tapas) and contentment (Santosh).
- Purusha: The eternal, unchanging consciousness or soul that is distinct from the material world (Prakriti).
- Prakriti: The natural world and material reality, characterized by the three gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
- Kaivalya: The ultimate goal of yoga, signifying liberation or isolation of the soul from material existence.
- Neti Neti: A Sanskrit mantra meaning “not this, not this,” used to transcend material distractions during meditation.
- Swami Vivekananda: A prominent Indian monk and philosopher who interpreted and popularized Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras for modern readers.
- Yoga Sutras: An ancient text by Sage Patanjali, providing a comprehensive framework for the theory and practice of yoga.
- Ahimsa: Non-violence, a key principle in Yamas, promoting harmlessness in thought, word, and action.
- Satya: Truthfulness, a core Yama advocating honesty and integrity in all interactions.
- Tapas: Discipline and perseverance, one of the Niyamas essential for spiritual practice and growth.
- Santosh: Contentment, a Niyama promoting inner peace and acceptance of circumstances.
- Tamas: The guna of inertia, ignorance, and stagnation, representing attachment to darkness and avoidance of progress.
- Rajas: The guna of activity, passion, and restlessness, driving change and desire.
- Sattva: The guna of harmony, balance, and purity, leading to clarity and spiritual growth.
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