Samadhi (November 2006)

Samadhi is the final state of meditation in yoga. Samadhi means “to bring together, to merge.” In this state of Samadhi the body and senses are at rest, as if asleep, yet the mind and reason are alert, as if awake; one goes beyond consciousness. It is final experience in which yogi attains to a state of perfection. The achievement of Samadhi is a difficult task. For this reason the Yoga Sutra suggests the practice of Asanas and Pranayama as preparation for Dharana, because they influence mental activities and create space in the crowded schedule of the mind. Once Dharana has occurred, Dhyana and Samadhi can follow.

These eight steps of yoga indicate a logical pathway that leads to the attainment of physical ethical, emotional and spiritual health. Yoga does not seek to change the individual; rather, it allows the natural state of total health and integration in each of us to become a reality.