REACH THE PEAK OF LIFE
To what extent can meditation take you? What kind of experiential states can be attained through it?
According to various contemplative traditions, the ultimate state of meditation is known as samadhi - a state of complete self-mastery and revelation. The definition of samadhi varies across different traditions, but according to the Yogic and Vedic traditions, it is a state of absorption. There are multiple levels of samadhi, but they all share a few common features.
Firstly, there is a complete and uninterrupted union of consciousness with the object of meditation. The self and object merge into one, without any duality. As one progresses deeper into the practise, the object of meditation may even disappear or become more subtle, leading to a more profound level of samadhi.
Secondly, there is a complete and continuous stillness of the mind, devoid of any thoughts, memories, or images. This state of mind can persist for several minutes or even hours, during which one may lose all sense of the environment and their physical body. Even if someone were to call out their name, they may not register it. In this state, consciousness is temporarily freed from the limitations of the physical body and yet remains fully aware.
Thirdly, in samadhi, the individuality or ego is no longer functioning. This allows for a deep purification of the conscious and unconscious mind, leading to a transformational experience.
It's worth noting that while samadhi is the culmination of practices in meditation, it is not equivalent to enlightenment. Instead, it serves as a tool or practice to achieve that ultimate goal. While it's possible to experience the benefits of meditation without attaining samadhi, it's still essential to understand its potential.
Achieving samadhi is a highly ambitious aim, and some meditation teachers either downplay its significance or present it in more achievable terms. Ultimately, it serves as a guiding direction and source of inspiration for one's meditation practice.
As one progresses through the different levels of samadhi, the objects and mental states become increasingly subtle, leading to a deeper and more profound meditative experience.
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