| Samadhi
(Superconsciousness) |
Samadhi
is the final limb of Ashtanga Yoga. The word is derived from
sam (together) + a: (completely) + dha: (to
hold); thus "to hold together completely". Samadhi
differs from dhyana in that there is no succession
of identical thought waves, but rather complete identity or absorption
in one object (thought).
Just as concentration culminates in meditation, so
meditation culminates in samadhi. In meditation there is
consciousness of mind and object only. When meditation becomes
intense, the mind and object merge, and the mind is no longer
conscious of itself. This dissolution of the subject-object relationship
is samadhi, or, more correctly, the first stage of samadhi.
The term samadhi actually refers to several stages of higher
consciousness that become progressively more profound, finally
culminating in kaivalya - perfect Self-realization. The
stages of samadhi reflect the progressive withdrawal of
consciousness into its source, the Self.
"Don't
think that you
are carrying
the whole world;
make it easy,
make it play,
make it a prayer."
- Baba Hari Dass
| The
Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga |
Source:
Ashtanga Yoga Primer by Baba Hari Dass
©Sri
Rama Publishing / Hanuman Fellowship, 1981
Santa
Cruz, California.
