Samapatti:
- Cognitive Fusion: This stage refers to the initial states of meditation (Savitarka and Savichara) where the mind is still linked with sensory knowledge and intellectual analysis, yet beginning to merge with the meditative object.
- “Savitarka” pertains to a state where the meditative absorption involves contemplation with the help of gross thoughts or concepts.
- “Savichara” refers to a state of meditative absorption where the focus is on subtle thoughts or abstract concepts.
- Both these states represent stages of Samadhi where there’s conscious awareness and intellectual engagement with the object of meditation.
- Cognitive Transcendence: This represents the advanced stages of meditation (Nirvitarka and Nirvichara) where intellectual activities subside, allowing for a non-conceptual, pure experience that transcends ordinary cognitive processes.
- In Nirvitarka Samadhi, mental association with gross thoughts ceases. There is no longer a conceptual framework accompanying the object of focus.
- In Nirvichara Samadhi, even the subtlest thoughts and conceptual reflections are transcended, and the meditator achieves an even more profound state of absorption.
- Samapatti: Samapatti refers to a state of meditative absorption where the mind becomes one with the object of meditation, leading to profound peace and understanding. It is characterised by the stilling of the fluctuations of consciousness.
- Recognise Samapatti as the process of the mind fusing completely with the object of contemplation, a state beyond cognitive activities and dualistic experience.
- Aim for complete integration with the meditative object, whether it is a mantra, a concept like peace or compassion, or simply the breath.
- Patanjali says two practices can elevate the meditator on the Yogic path – Abhyasa (self-study) and Vairagya (non-attachment).
