Chapter-3, Sutra 08

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.8

(Nirbija Samadhi)

तदपि बहिरङ्गं निर्बीजस्य ॥ 3.8 ॥

"That too (the practice of dharana, dhyana, and samadhi) is an external practice compared to the seedless (nirbija) samadhi."

This Sutra states that even the highest form of concentration, meditation (dhyana), and complete absorption (samadhi) are still considered external compared to the Ultimate Goal of seedless samadhi (nirbija samadhi). The term "nirbija" literally means "without seed," symbolizing a state of meditation that is free from any object, thought, or influence that could plant new karmic seeds. This form of samadhi is often described as the final stage of yoga, leading to kaivalya or liberation, where the mind is completely dissolved, and only Pure Consciousness remains.

The significance of this Sutra lies in the subtle distinction it makes between the various stages of spiritual practice. While dharana, dhyana, and samadhi (collectively known as samyama) are considered high levels of mental discipline, they are not the Ultimate Goal. They are external 

(bahiranga) because they still involve the mind engaging with objects, albeit in a highly refined and controlled manner. Nirbija samadhi, however, transcends even these advanced states because it is the cessation of all mental fluctuations and the complete dissolution of the ego and sense of separateness.

In practical terms, this Sutra reminds the aspirant that the yogic path does not culminate in powers or even the experience of samadhi that is tied to objects or ideas. Instead, the True Goal of yoga is the attainment of 

nirbija samadhi, where there is no seed for future thoughts or 

karmas. This marks the dissolution of the dualistic nature of mind and Consciousness, leading to Self-Realization.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"Compared with that seedless Samadhi, therefore, even these are external. We have not yet reached the real Samadhi, the highest, but to a lower stage, in which this universe still exists as we see it, and in which are all these power."

Comparative Verses from Other Vedic Texts

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9

यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम्।

तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति ॥

"When the Seer beholds the gold-colored Creator, the Lord, the Supreme Purusha, the Source of Brahman, then the Wise One, having shaken off virtue and vice, becomes stainless and attains Supreme Equality."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad resonates with Patanjali’s idea of nirbija samadhi, as both refer to the Ultimate State where dualities such as virtue and vice are transcended. Just as nirbija samadhi represents liberation from all seeds of karma, the Upanishad describes how one who perceives the Divine Essence (Brahman) attains a state of Purity and Equality, free from the influence of karmic actions.

Yoga Vashishta 6.2.206

चित्तं चिद्रूपतां याति मुक्तो भवति वा न वा।

अभ्यासवशतो योगी नैराश्यं यति नान्यथा ॥

"The mind attains the form of Pure Consciousness; The yogi reaches this State through practice and renunciation, not by any other means."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta aligns with the notion of nirbija samadhi in Patanjali's teachings. It emphasizes that the mind must transform into Pure Consciousness through sustained practice and renunciation. Like the Yogasutra's ultimate focus on a state beyond mental activities, the Yoga Vashishta asserts that liberation is attained when the mind is stilled and merges into its essential nature.

Bhagavad Gita 6.15

युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी नियतमानसः।

शान्तिं निर्वाणपरमां मत्संस्थामधिगच्छति ॥

"Thus always keeping the mind absorbed in the Self, the yogi of disciplined mind attains Peace, the Supreme Nirvana, which abides in Me."

Here, the Bhagavad Gita talks about the state of Constant Remembrance of the Self, which can be compared to the nirbija samadhi described by Patanjali. 

Both texts highlight the need for mental discipline and continual focus to achieve a state of Ultimate Peace (nirvana or 

kaivalya). In both cases, this peace comes from transcending dualistic perception and resting in the Pure Consciousness.

Conclusion

The comparison of Patanjali’s concept of nirbija samadhi with other Vedic texts reveals a consistent theme of Transcendence and Realization. 

Whether it is the dissolution of karmic seeds in Patanjali’s Yoga, the attainment of Supreme Equality in the Mundaka Upanishad, the merging with Pure Consciousness in the Yoga Vashishta or the Constant Remembrance of the Self in Bhagavad Gita, these texts all speak to the Ultimate State of Realization where the mind is stilled, and dualities cease to exist.