Categories of Samadhi

In a state of Samadhi the Chitta, the consciousness sets in ‘Dhayeya’ (focal point, which we bear in mind and concentrate upon). Hence the difference in the states of Samadhi is according to the relation between Dhayeya and the consciousness.

1. Savitarka and Nirvitarka Samadhi
   1. Savitarka Samadhi: When the name and the form of Dhayeya remains in the consciousness of a Sadhaka, such a state is called Savitarka Samadhi.
   2. Nirvitarka Samadhi: The state in which consciousness is completely dissolved in Dhayeya and loses sense of the form and name also is called a Nirvitarka Samadhi.

   In Savitarka and Nirvitarka Samadhis Dhayeya is in the physical (sathula) form. But when the Dhayeya is not in the physical form but in subtle form (sukshama), the names of the Samadhi change in that case such as:

2. Savichara and Nirvichara Samadhi
   1. Savichara Samadhi: The state in which Dhayeya is in subtle form but the form and name is retained in the consciousness is called the Savichara Samadhi.
   2. Nirvichara Samadhi: When the consciousness is free from the thought of name and form and completely lost in Dhayeya, that state is known as Nirvichara Samadhi. It has special importance. It cleanses the inner-self completely and one attains the "Ritambhara Pragya / Prajna", which means divine realization of the Absolute truth and there is absolutely no trace of ignorance.

   With the attainment of the "Ritambhara Pragya" the Samskaras (imprints on mind of deeds of various births) are completely cleansed and no new imprints are formed.

3. Nirbeeja Samadhi: When the "Ritambhara Pragya" also ends, in other words, when this stage is also surpassed then a unique Samadhi is attained and the consciousness gets into an unexplainable stage, which is named as Nirbeeja Samadhi.
4. Dharma Megha Samadhi: In Nirbeeja Samadhi the consciousness is in the state of "Oneness with the Absolute" as one experiences the knowledge of the Absolute, such a state is called the ‘Dharma Megha Samadhi’. It means that as the earth gets water from rains in a natural way, similarly the Yogi is constantly showered with knowledge of the Absolute. At this stage all the deeds and troubles come to an end and the Nirbeeja Samadhi takes place. All the stages of Samadhi before Nirbeeja Samadhi are the types of Sabeeja Samadhi.