Patanjali Yoga Sutra - 46

Samadhi with embedded causes

Ta Eva Sabija Samadi

All that has been described in the Sutras earlier are different states of absorbtion which has an embedded cause like a seed which is the reason for the sprouting of a plant which grows into a tree. The seeds of various mental tendencies lie hidden in the sub-conscious mind and can sprout any time when the situation is conducive. So when such a person enters into samadhi due to various factors, can drop down to normal human experiences filed with likes and dislikes, passions and hatred. The seed are still remaining within and hence the state of Samadhi with seeds is for a temporary period. - Swahilya Shambhavi

(Trees in Tungnath. As long as there are seeds, there will be trees. As long as there are imprints embedded in the sub-conscious, thoughts will keep springing.)

Patanjali Yoga Sutra - 45

After mind, it's emptiness

Sukshma Vishayathwam Cha Alinga Paryavasanam

The mind can observe the body which is gross - made up of cells, atoms, molecules, sub-atomic particles and quarks floating in space. The mind and intellect are a form of energy that travels as a communication channel between these particles, forming thoughts, concepts and ideas. Beyond these forms of thought, nature is empty, without a name and form to describe it.

The capability of the mind to understand and comprehend anything ends with the concepts. When the

mind embraces the last element of nature called consciousness, it loses its own identity and dissolves into a vast that has no name or form or idea to express itself. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

(Pic. This is yet another of my many pictures of the sky above the clouds taken on an Air France flight from Chicago-Paris-Chennai. The world of thoughts here are the clouds. The last bits of contemplation are the colours of the rainbow. Beyond that is just emptiness where nature is nothing but pure consciousness.)

Patanjali Yoga Sutra - 44

Savichara Nirvichara Samadhi

Eta yaiva Savichara Nirvichara cha Sukshma Vishaya Vyakhyata

All this while, Patanjali explained about the different states of Samadhi born out of meditating on a form with a definition and a name. Now, he speaks of a state of absorption by mere contemplation on a formless idea such as love, universe, cosmos or consciousness called Savichara Samadhi and a state of Nirvichara Samadhi where the mind is absorbed in consciousness without even holding on to or contemplating about an idea or abstract concepts. In this manner, the contemplation shifts from a gross form to a subtle dimension. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Pic. The reflection of mountain peaks and the trees around the Deoria Tal Lake at Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag District. An arduous trek took me up to the lake. As I was contemplating in its benign presence, a boy jumped into the waters for a splash and swim and I could feel the waves of energy spread all around.)

Patanjali Yoga Sutra - 43

When consciousness

shines through

Smritiparishuddhau Swarupashunya Iva Arthamatranirbhasa Nirvitarka

With different efforts in Yoga Sadhana, the mind is purified and memory is cleansed. In this state of purity, one's consciousness which is the purest light of wisdom, shines through with clarity.
Visualise a vase made of glass. The glass is filled with light. When an object or idea is impacting that glass, it shatters forming cracks. The light within shines through a distorted pattern on the glass.
Next visualise a lampshade made of silk cloth. Compare an idea to a wooden object that impacts the taut cloth which caves in forming a deviation in the path of the light. Now imagine a brightly lit room with an open space at the window ledge. An object passing through the window falls flat, making no dent or disturbance to the light that shines through out of the room.
The glass vase, the silk lamp and the brightly lit room with open windows are nothing but yourself. The objects that are thrown are thoughts and ideas. Meditation is the process which purifies the memories which make the mind. In the beginning it is gross and impenetrable like wood, then it becomes glass, then yielding like cloth and then remains like empty space, merged with consciousness.
This state is Nirvitarka Samadhi, where consciousness shines through steadily through a pure mind. - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(Pic: Sunset falling on the waters of the Ganga at Rishikesh. The waves on the water are compared to the different thoughts on the surface of the mind. Deep down, the water is tranquil and reflects the light of the sun - consciousness, sharply) Photo: Swahilya