Samadhi is considered the highest state of meditation that a seeker can achieve. It is a state where the meditator experiences complete absorption and is unaware of their individual existence. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, samadhi is described as the eighth and final stage of meditation.
According to our book “Decoding the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” by Kaushal Kumar and Jai Singhania, Patanjali defines samadhi as “Tadevarthamatranirbhisam swaroopshunnimiva samadhi,” which means that when the meditator realises only the goal of their meditation, then their individual mind becomes zero, then the meditation itself becomes samadhi.

In Samadhi, the mind becomes completely focused on the object of meditation, and the meditator loses all sense of their individual identity. The mind is said to lack its own form and becomes completely absorbed in the goal of meditation. This state is considered the ultimate goal of meditation and is said to provide profound insights into the nature of reality.

To achieve samadhi, one must cultivate intense concentration and focus through the practice of meditation. This requires a deep understanding of one’s own mind and the nature of reality. With dedicated effort and consistent practice, one can gradually develop the ability to enter into this profound state of consciousness and experience the true nature of reality.

Samadhi is a state of complete absorption and profound concentration achieved through the practice of meditation. The ultimate goal of meditation and provides a transformative experience that allows the meditator to gain deep insights into the nature of reality.

According to our book Decoding the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Kaushal Kumar and Jai Singhania, there are two types of Samadhi, namely:
Samprajnata Samadhi (Sabeej Samadhi)
This type of Samadhi is characterized by the presence of cognitive content.
It is also known as Sabeej Samadhi.
In this type of Samadhi, both the meditator and the object of meditation coexist, but the meditator is aware only of the object of meditation.

Samprajnata Samadhi is further classified into four categories:

Vitarka Anugat Samadhi: In this type of Samadhi, the meditator is still aware of the cognitive content related to the object of meditation.

Vichara Anugat Samadhi: In this type of Samadhi, the meditator has gone beyond the cognitive content related to the object of meditation, but there is still a trace of the cognitive content.

Ananda Anugat Samadhi: In this type of Samadhi, the meditator experiences bliss or joy, but is still aware of the cognitive content related to the object of meditation.

Asmita Anugat Samadhi: In this type of Samadhi, the meditator experiences a sense of individuality or “I-ness” with respect to the object of meditation.
Asamprajnata Samadhi (Nirbeej Samadhi)
This type of Samadhi is characterized by the absence of cognitive content.
It is also known as Nirbeej Samadhi.

In this type of Samadhi, both the meditator and the object of meditation disappear, and the meditator experiences a state of pure consciousness or awareness.
Asamprajnata Samadhi is considered the highest state of Samadhi, and is also known as Kaivalya or liberation.