Chapter-1, Sutra18

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.18 

विरामप्रत्ययाभ्यासपूर्वः संस्कारशेषोऽन्यः ॥

"There is another Samadhi which is attained by the constant practice of cessation of all mental activity, in which the Chitta retains only the unmanifested impressions."

This sutra refers to a state of deep meditation known as Asamprajnata Samadhi, which is achieved when the mind has no content or mental modifications but is solely in the presence of latent impressions. This state is characterized by the absence of active thought processes or cognitive patterns (virama pratyaya). The practice  (abhyasa) leading up to this state involves a gradual withdrawal from the sensory experiences and mental activities until only minimal subtle impressions remain. These impressions are the residual traces of past experiences that exist in the unconscious mind. The term anya suggests that this state of Samadhi is distinct from the Samprajnata Samadhi with content or support, which is described earlier in the Yogasutra 17.

In this State, the practitioner transcends the ordinary levels of Consciousness and enters a realm where there is no distinction between the Knower, the Known, and the process of Knowing. It is a state of Pure Awareness, free from the fluctuations of the mind. The significance of this sutra lies in its emphasis on the power of sustained practice and detachment from mental constructs, leading to a profound state of Inner Peace and liberation.

Comparison with Similar Verses:

Mandukya Upanishad (Verse 7):

नान्तःप्रज्ञं न बहिष्प्रज्ञं नोभयतःप्रज्ञं न प्रज्ञानघनं न प्रज्ञं नाप्रज्ञम् |

"It is not that which cognizes the internal world, nor that which cognizes the external world, nor that which cognizes both, nor a mass of cognition, nor cognitive, nor non-cognitive."

This verse from the Mandukya Upanishad describes the fourth State of Consciousness, Turiya, which is beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Like Asamprajnata Samadhi, Turiya is a state of Pure Consciousness without content.

Bhagavad Gita (6.20):

यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया |

"Where the mind, restrained by the practice of Yoga, attains quietude."

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna speaks of the mind's quietude achieved through the disciplined practice of Yoga, akin to the cessation of mental modifications mentioned in Patanjali's Yogasutra.

Katha Upanishad (1.2.15):

यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह |

"When the five senses along with the mind remain still and the intellect is not active, that is known as the Highest State."

The Katha Upanishad describes a similar state where the senses, mind, and intellect are still, indicating a Higher State of Consciousness that aligns with Asamprajnata Samadhi.

These verses from various Vedic texts highlight the universal concept in Indian philosophy of reaching a state of Consciousness that transcends the ordinary experience of the mind and senses. They all point towards the Ultimate Goal of Yoga and spiritual practice, which is to Realize the True Nature of the Self, beyond the limitations of the mind and body.