According to yogic tradition, samadhi is not a single moment of enlightenment but instead an experience with distinct levels.
They can be deeply blissful states of consciousness to experience and lower stages may not be as difficult to experience as you might think.
In this article, we’ll explore the four levels of samadhi, as taught in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and supported by centuries of practice and experience in the yogic lineage.
Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or just beginning to explore spiritual awakening, this is your complete guide to samadhi
What Is Samadhi?
At its core, samadhi is a Sanskrit term meaning absorption or union. It is the eighth and final limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
It’s the state where the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object of meditation can merge into one seamless field of awareness.
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WHAT STAGE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ARE YOU IN?
Discover the 6 stages of awakening and find out where you are in your journey.
Samadhi is essentially a description for a multitude of deep meditative states of consciousness.
Why Are There Multiple Levels of Samadhi?
In the West, we often lump all mystical or blissful experiences under one umbrella: enlightenment.
But in traditional yogic philosophy, samadhi unfolds in stages. Each more refined, more subtle, and more liberating than the last. In fact there are many different types of spiritual awakening beyond even Samadhi.
Each level brings a deeper dissolution of ego and a greater intimacy with the true Self (purusha or atman).
These stages are not linear in a strict sense. You might glimpse one, return to another, or hover between them. But they offer a structure for understanding the deeper terrain of meditation and generally how you might experience them over time.
Let’s break them down.
The 4 Levels of Samadhi
1. Savikalpa Samadhi (Samadhi with Thoughts)
Also called samprajnata samadhi or with seed, this is the first and most accessible level of samadhi.
- The mind is still active, but highly focused.
- You’re deeply concentrated on an object, mantra, or the breath.
- There’s still a sense of self and object, but they are stabilized in awareness.
The term savikalpa means “with distinctions.” You know you’re meditating. You may even experience deep bliss, clarity, or inner stillness but you’re still “there” observing it.
This level includes four subcategories:
1. Vitarka – with gross objects like breath or sound
This is a state of meditative absorption focused on tangible & physical objects (like the breath, a mantra, or a visual form). The mind is still engaged, but deeply one-pointed, creating a stable inner stillness grounded in something concrete.
2. Vichara – with subtle objects like light or chakras
In Vichara awareness moves beyond the physical and anchors into subtler phenomena (like energy, chakras, or the concept of space). The object of meditation is more abstract, and the mind becomes refined and expansive.
3. Ananda – focused on the feeling of bliss
In this state, you become absorbed in the feeling of bliss itself. Though bliss is present, the meditator remains aware of it as an object, not yet fully merged with pure consciousness.
4. Asmita – focused on the sense of pure being
This is a formless presence that’s deeply still, resting right at the edge of ego dissolution.
Savikalpa samadhi is a sign of profound concentration but ego is still subtly present. Though the states encountered in this stage can be incredible by themselves, it is not the end.
2. Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Samadhi without Thoughts)
Nirvikalpa means “without distinctions.” In this state, all mental activity stops.
There is no mantra. No breath awareness. No object. No you.
Only pure, undivided awareness remains.
Break Into Greater Consciousness And Experience Awakening
It’s often described as:
- A void-like, formless stillness.
- A state beyond bliss—deeper than feeling.
- The death of the ego, even temporarily.
In this state, consciousness rests in itself. It’s often likened to dreamless sleep, but with full awareness.
For many mystics and yogis, this is the turning point. This is where the mind finally, fully surrenders.
3. Dharmamegha Samadhi (Cloud of Dharma Samadhi)
This is a very advanced state of samadhi mentioned in Yoga Sutra 4.29, and it occurs after the cessation of even the subtlest desires, including the desire for liberation itself.
In this state:
- The yogi is no longer bound by karma.
- All seeds of mental activity (samskaras) are burned.
- There is a feeling of great peace and complete detachment from worldly life, but without aversion or suppression.
The name dharmamegha literally means “cloud of virtue” or “cloud of dharma” signifying the stage just before complete liberation.
4. Kaivalya (Liberation, Aloneness)
Technically, kaivalya is beyond samadhi. But in many teachings, it is seen as the final fruit of all levels of samadhi.
This is the state of complete liberation. Freedom from the cycles of birth and death. The ego is dissolved, the mind is transcended, and the Self rests in its own nature.
In kaivalya:
- There is no longer a “return” to the mind or personality.
- The seer stands alone, untouched.
- You are That. Always were. But now it is known.
This is moksha. Nirvana. The summit of the spiritual journey.
A Journey, Not a Race
It’s important to understand that samadhi is not something to chase. You can’t force your way into absorption. Each level requires dedicated practice, ethical living, surrender, and honestly… mostly grace.
Even touching the first level of samadhi is an enormous accomplishment and awe inspiring. Many spend years in savikalpa samadhi, refining their focus and surrender before transcending to the next stage.
The point is not to “achieve” higher levels, but to let go more deeply until there is nothing left to grasp.
Final Thoughts
While full liberation may seem distant, the truth is… you’re already on the way. Every time you sit. Every time you soften. Every time you touch stillness.
You’re not chasing enlightenment—you’re remembering it.
So breathe, practice, & surrender.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a meditation teacher, spiritual seeker, and founder of nurtureyourspirit.org. I’m glad you’re here! I founded Nurture Your Spirit because of my love of meditation, spirituality, and spiritual awakening.
