In order to understand Pathanjali’s Yoga Sutra further, we must study the structure of the universe as it is presented in Vedanta philosophy. |
First let us consider the basic Reality. The reality considered as the innermost self of any particular creature is called Atman. When the Reality is spoken of in its universal aspect, it is called Brahman or Paramatma. |
Here we have to keep in mind the 3 schools of Philosophy namely Advaita, Vishishta Advaita and Dvaita. According to Advaita, Brahman and Atman are one. But according to Dvaita and Vishishta Advaita, Brahman and Atman are not one and the same. However the ultimate goal of Atman in all 3 philosophy is to reach that Brahman. Pathanjali believed in Sankya Philosophy and hence according to him, Atman and Brahman are not one and the same. But however, the ultimate Goal of Pathanjali’s Yoga is to make our Atman to reach the Brahman. |
What is Cosmos? What is it made of? Vedanta teaches that the cosmos is made of Prakriti, the elemental stuff of mind and matter. The Brahman puts forth itself and causes the Prakriti. Why does Brahman cause Prakriti? This question cannot be answered by man-made philosophy. A great seer may experience the nature of Brahman-Prakriti relationship while he is in the state of perfect Yoga. |
In Hindu philosophy creation and dissolution is an endlessly repeated process. From time to time the Universe dissolves itself into Brahman and the remains in the potential “seed state” for certain time. Then re-creation starts. |
Now let us see the process of creation - Prakriti is said to be composed Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas generally known as Tri-gunas. As long as the Gunas maintain equilibrium, Prakriti remains in its potential state and is in the “seed state” of Brahman or known as “Nirguna Brahman”. As soon as the balance is disturbed, a re-creation of the Universe begins. The gunas enter into an enormous variety of combinations, mostly irregular with one of the gunas predominating. Hence we have the variety of physical and psychic phenomena which make up our apparent worlds. Hence the gunas provide the motive power for the creative process. |
The Brahman puts forth itself as ‘Mahat’ the cosmic ego-sense, known as “Sarguna Brahman”. From Mahat evolves ‘Buddhi’. From buddhi evolves ‘Ahamkara’ the individual ego-sense. From ahamkara evolves manas, pancha-indriyas, the pancha tanmatras and its organs. By further combination and re-combination the pancha-bhootas, earth, water, fire, air and ether are evolved. |
It is necessary to keep this idea of evolution clearly in mind if we are to understand Patanjali’s technique of meditation. For meditation is evolution in reverse. Meditation is a process of devolution. Beginning at the surface of life, the meditative mind goes inward, seeking always the cause behind the appearance, and then the cause behind the cause, until the innermost Reality is reached. |
In the preliminary stages concentration upon a single object is a must. Let us see Patanjali’s four stages of “concentration upon a single object”. When practiced intensely it can take the mind to the ultimate borders of Brahman the Ultimate Supreme God. 1. When the mind becomes perfectly concentrated upon on of the gross elements then it is ‘Examination’. 2. when the mind pierces the outer material layer and fastens upon the tanmatra, the subtle essence within, then it is ‘discrimination’. 3. when we concentrate upon the inner powers of perception or the mind itself then it is ‘joyful peace’. 4. when we concentrate upon the ego-sense in its simplest and most elemental form, without any fear or desire, knowing that “I” am different from “this” and “that”, then it is “simple awareness of Individuality”. |
The following question were asked to Meta AI and the answers are...
Q.1. Samprajnata Samadhi explain.
Ans. A profound topic in the realm of Yoga and meditation!
Samprajnata Samadhi is a state of consciousness described in Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Here's a breakdown:
Samprajnata
- "Samprajnata" is a Sanskrit term that means "cognitive" or "accompanied by knowledge."
- In this state, the mind is still engaged and aware of the object of meditation.
Samadhi
- "Samadhi" refers to a state of deep concentration or absorption, where the mind is fully focused on a single point.
- In Samadhi, the individual self (Purusha) is fully engaged with the object of meditation.
Characteristics of Samprajnata Samadhi
- In this state, the mind is still active and aware of the object of meditation.
- The individual self (Purusha) is fully engaged with the object, but still maintains a sense of separation.
- Samprajnata Samadhi is often described as a state of "seeded" or "accompanied" Samadhi, as the mind is still aware of the object and has not yet transcended it.
Types of Samprajnata Samadhi
- Vitarka: Gross, intellectual understanding of the object.
- Vichara: Subtle, intuitive understanding of the object.
- Ananda: Blissful, joyful experience of the object.
- Asmita: Sense of individuality, ego-awareness in relation to the object.
Samprajnata Samadhi is considered an intermediate state of consciousness, where the mind is still engaged but beginning to transcend the object of meditation.
Q.2. Asamprajnata Samadhi explain.
Ans. A profound and advanced state of consciousness!
Asamprajnata Samadhi is a state of deep absorption described in Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Here's a breakdown:
Asamprajnata
- "Asamprajnata" is a Sanskrit term that means "beyond cognition" or "without knowledge."
- In this state, the mind is completely absorbed in the object of meditation, transcending all cognitive functions.
Samadhi
- As we discussed earlier, "Samadhi" refers to a state of deep concentration or absorption.
Characteristics of Asamprajnata Samadhi
- In this state, the mind is completely absorbed in the object of meditation, losing all sense of separation.
- The individual self (Purusha) is fully unified with the object, transcending all cognitive functions.
- Asamprajnata Samadhi is often described as a state of "seedless" or "objectless" Samadhi, as the mind has transcended all objects and supports.
Key differences from Samprajnata Samadhi
- In Samprajnata Samadhi, the mind is still aware of the object and has not yet transcended it.
- In Asamprajnata Samadhi, the mind has completely transcended the object, losing all sense of separation.
Asamprajnata Samadhi is considered a higher state of consciousness, where the mind has transcended all cognitive functions and achieved a state of complete unity with the ultimate reality.
Q.3. Dharma-megha Samadhi explain.
Ans. A sublime and profound state of consciousness!
Dharma-megha Samadhi is a state of deep absorption described in Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Here's a breakdown:
Dharma-megha
- "Dharma-megha" is a Sanskrit term that means "cloud of dharma" or "cloud of righteousness."
- In this context, "dharma" refers to the universal principles of righteousness, morality, and duty.
Samadhi
- As we discussed earlier, "Samadhi" refers to a state of deep concentration or absorption.
Characteristics of Dharma-megha Samadhi
- In this state, the practitioner's mind is completely saturated with the principles of dharma, leading to a profound sense of clarity, purpose, and responsibility.
- The individual self (Purusha) is fully aligned with the universal principles of dharma, transcending all personal biases and limitations.
- Dharma-megha Samadhi is often described as a state of complete integration with the universal order, where the practitioner's actions become spontaneous and effortless expressions of dharma.
Significance
- Dharma-megha Samadhi is considered the culmination of the eight limbs of yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras.
- It represents the highest state of spiritual growth, where the practitioner has achieved complete self-realization and is living in perfect harmony with the universe.
Dharma-megha Samadhi is a rare and sublime state of consciousness, where the practitioner has transcended all limitations and is living in complete alignment with the universal principles of dharma.
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