Samadhi
Samadhi is the
final state of meditation in yoga. Samadhi means “to bring together, to
merge.” In this state of Samadhi the body and senses are at rest, as if
asleep, yet the mind and reason are alert, as if awake; one goes beyond
consciousness. It is final experience in which yogi attains to a state of
perfection. The achievement of Samadhi is a difficult task. For this
reason the Yoga Sutra suggests the practice of Asanas and Pranayama
as preparation for Dharana, because they influence mental activities and
create space in the crowded schedule of the mind. Once Dharana has
occurred, Dhyana and Samadhi can follow.
These eight
steps of yoga indicate a logical pathway that leads to the attainment of
physical ethical, emotional and spiritual health. Yoga does not seek to
change the individual; rather, it allows the natural state of total health
and integration in each of us to become a reality.