Patanjali Yogasutra 1.46
ताः एव सबीजः समाधिः
"These are indeed the samadhi with seeds."
Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.46 refers to the concept of sabīja samadhi which translates to "samadhi with seeds." This type of samadhi is characterized by the presence of mental seeds or impressions that remain in the mind even during deep meditation. These seeds are the latent tendencies and subconscious impressions that can influence one's thoughts and actions. In this state, the mind is still engaged with subtle objects of meditation, and while it achieves a high level of concentration, it is not entirely free from the seeds of past experiences and desires.
In sabīja samādhi, the practitioner experiences a profound state of meditation where the mind is deeply absorbed in the object of focus. However, the presence of these seeds means that the mind is not yet completely purified. The seeds can sprout and give rise to new thoughts and distractions, indicating that the practitioner has not yet reached the ultimate state of seedless samadhi (nirbīja samādhi). This sutra emphasizes the importance of continued practice and vigilance in meditation to eventually transcend these seeds and achieve a state of complete mental clarity and liberation.
The concept of sabīja samadhi highlights the gradual nature of spiritual progress in yoga. It acknowledges that while deep states of meditation can be achieved, the journey towards complete liberation involves overcoming the subtle impressions that reside in the mind. This sutra serves as a reminder that true liberation requires not only concentration but also the purification of the mind from all latent tendencies and subconscious influences.
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts:
Rigveda 10.129.4
अविद्यमानं न तदासीत् तदानीम्, न चासीत् रजः, न व्योमापरो यत्।
"Then there was neither non-existence nor existence; there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it."
This verse from the Rigveda speaks to the primordial state of the universe, where distinctions and dualities had not yet emerged. It parallels the concept of sabīja samādhi in that both discuss states of potentiality and latent impressions.
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9
स यो ह वै तत् परमं ब्रह्म वेद ब्रह्मैव भवति।
"He who knows that Supreme Brahman becomes Brahman indeed."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes the transformative power of true Knowledge and Realization. Similar to the journey from sabīja to nirbīja samādhi, it highlights the ultimate goal of becoming one with the Supreme Reality through deep meditation and Knowledge.
Yoga Vashishta 3.14.30
चित्तं निःशेषवासनं समाधिरभिधीयते।
"Samadhi is said to be the state where the mind is free from all impressions."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta directly relates to the concept of samadhi, describing it as a state where the mind is devoid of all impressions, aligning with the ultimate goal of nirbīja samādhi.
These verses from various Vedic texts provide a broader context to the concept of samadhi and the journey of the mind towards liberation, illustrating the interconnectedness of these ancient teachings.
No comments:
Post a Comment