samadhi

The word nirvikalpa breaks down into nir (without) and vikalpa (thoughts). So Nirvikalpa Samadhi means samadhi without thoughts, without form, and without identity. Unlike Savikalpa Samadhi, where the meditator is still aware of meditating on something (like the breath or a mantra), Nirvikalpa is formless and objectless. There is no: This is also just like the classic non-dual awakening described in Buddhist traditions. Instead, there is only pure being. Just a silent, infinite awareness that remains as the mind and ego dissolve completely. It is stillness beyond comprehension. Peace beyond emotion. A direct, intimate merging with the absolute. How It Differs from Savikalpa Samadhi Savikalpa Samadhi Nirvikalpa Samadhi With thought or form Without thought or form Meditator still aware of self Ego dissolves entirely Object of meditation remains No object, no self Entry-level samadhi 2nd stage samadhi Think of Savikalpa Samadhi as standing at the edge of the ocean of the Self, while Nirvikalpa is diving into it—completely submerged in the source. See also “The 4 Levels of Samadhi”. What Happens in Nirvikalpa Samadhi? The yogic texts describe Nirvikalpa Samadhi with paradoxes because words fail to capture it. Still, certain signs point to its arrival: The state that is experienced can’t really be explained by words. It’s something that can only be understood through the experience of it. The environment and self are no longer separate in the midst of this second stage of samadhi. Is It Enlightenment? Depends who you ask. Some might think this is the end all be all, but it’s not. It’s an incredible awakening to your true nature no doubt. But it’s not the final step. Nirvikalpa samadhi is a state of complete absorption (meaning totally enthralled in awareness itself), but not yet a permanent realization. You come back from Nirvikalpa and re-enter the world of form. That said, even a momentary glimpse of Nirvikalpa can change the course of your life. The Role of Grace Unlike lower samadhis that can be cultivated through focused practice, Nirvikalpa cannot be “achieved.” It arises when all effort, identification, and striving dissolve. Some yogic scriptures say this state comes through grace. You can’t force it, but you can prepare the ground: As Ramana Maharshi said, “Realization is not acquisition of anything new… it is only removal of ignorance.” It’s something that must be surrendered too, not gained. FAQs about Nirvikalpa Samadhi Can I reach Nirvikalpa Samadhi through meditation? Meditation prepares the mind by calming it down. But Nirvikalpa Samadhi occurs only when the mind stops completely and that shift is often spontaneous, not willful. But yes, a meditation practice can help this spontaneously occur. Will it last forever? Most seekers return to the egoic state after a short while. With continued surrender and grace, Nirvikalpa can ripen into Sahaja Samadhi, a permanent realization. Does it mean I’m spiritually “finished”? No. Nirvikalpa is a peak state, but it’s still temporary. Full spiritual realization goes a step even beyond this. Final Reflections Nirvikalpa Samadhi is a state of consciousness beyond thought, identity, and form. It can’t really be grasped by the mind. We do our best to explain it in words, but it’s something that can only be experienced personally. It must be surrendered to. Keep practicing. Keep surrendering. To get to this next stage you need to let go of the goal itself. When all seeking ends, the divine reveals itself fully.

There comes a point in meditation when the mind becomes so still, so utterly present that you stop thinking about the object of meditation and begin to become it. This shift marks the entry into Savikalpa Samadhi. This is a deep meditative absorption where thought is still present, but purified and focused like a laser. It’s the first threshold of true yogic samadhi. It’s also the first stage of 4 different levels of samadhi. What Is Savikalpa Samadhi? Savikalpa Samadhi is a deep meditative state where the mind is fully absorbed in the object of meditation but still aware of form, thought, and duality. Savikalpa comes from the Sanskrit roots sa (with) and vikalpa (distinctions or thoughts). It’s often translated as Samadhi with form, with seed, or with thoughts. In this state: This isn’t ordinary concentration. It’s a refined, blissful absorption where ego quiets, but hasn’t yet dissolved. The distinction here is that your sense of self is still present & thoughts are still arising in your consciousness. The Four Subcategories of Savikalpa Samadhi Patanjali, the ancient sage of the Yoga Sutras, breaks Savikalpa Samadhi into four stages: 1. Vitarka Samadhi – Absorption in Gross Objects This is where many meditators first glimpse samadhi. In vitarka, the mind is absorbed in a tangible object such as the breath or a mantra. You’re not just paying attention, you’re merged with the object. The boundaries between you and the breath blur. There’s deep peace, and yet you still know: “I’m meditating.” This stage often brings a noticeable stillness in the mind and body. 2. Vichara Samadhi – Absorption in Subtle Objects Here, the mind shifts from gross to subtle. You may become absorbed in something more abstract like energy moving through your spine or the spaciousness behind your eyes. The mind is more refined and more inward. You’re not meditating on form, but on qualities. This is often where yogis start to feel the edges of ego begin to dissolve. 3. Ananda Samadhi – Absorption in Bliss In ananda samadhi, awareness becomes one with the subtle joy or bliss that arises from deep meditation. This feels like a spacious, radiant, heart-centered presence that feels soft and whole. The bliss itself becomes the focus. But you’re still aware of it as an experience. You’re still there witnessing the joy. This is a beautiful and powerful place to rest in practice, but it’s not the final destination. As some teachers say, “Don’t get drunk on the bliss, keep going.” I personally love this stage. 4. Asmita Samadhi – Absorption in “I-Am-ness” This is the most subtle and refined form of Savikalpa Samadhi. Here your focus is on the bare sense of being itself. It’s not “I am this” or “I am that.” It’s just I am. There is no mantra. No breath. No story. Just pure presence. This stage rests right at the border between Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Here you’re standing just at the doorway to the infinite. What It Feels Like How do I know if I’ve entered Savikalpa Samadhi? Here are some common experiences: One of the biggest qualities of this first stage of Samadhi is a sense of bliss and peace. You will likely experience some form of bliss especially as you progress through the 4 sub-stages of Savikalpa Samadhi. FAQs about Savikalpa Samadhi Is Savikalpa Samadhi the same as enlightenment? No. Savikalpa Samadhi is an advanced meditative state, but it’s not enlightenment. Ego is still present, and the sense of “self” hasn’t yet dissolved. Can beginners experience Savikalpa Samadhi? Yes, especially in Vitarka or Vichara stages. With consistent practice, even newer meditators may taste moments of Savikalpa Samadhi, particularly during focused breath or mantra work. How long does Savikalpa Samadhi last? It can last a few moments or several hours, depending on the depth of your concentration and surrender. Most people first experience it in brief glimpses, which gradually lengthen with practice. Is Savikalpa Samadhi permanent? No, it’s a temporary state of absorption. However, the impressions (samskaras) left by the experience can profoundly reshape your mind and open you to higher states. What’s the difference between Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa Samadhi? Savikalpa involves meditation with form (AKA thoughts) while Nirvikalpa is formless, thoughtless, and entirely ego-transcending. Can Savikalpa Samadhi cause a loss of time perception? Yes. A common side effect is losing all sense of time, which may indicate you’re approaching the early stages of samadhi. Conclusion Savikalpa Samadhi is not enlightenment, but it is a blissful and profound state of higher consciousness. luminous stepping stone on the way to enlightenment. A place where the mind takes a back seat and something higher begins to emerge. If you’ve tasted this state, enjoy it. But don’t cling. Just keep sitting. Keep softening. Keep surrendering.