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:
- Subject or object.
- Mantra or focus point.
- Even a sense of “I am meditating.”
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:
- Total absence of thought — not suppression, but natural cessation.
- Ego disappears — there’s no sense of “I” or “me” remaining.
- No time, space, or duality — just pure, unbounded awareness.
- Afterward, a deep spiritual imprint — a sense of having touched eternity.
Break Into Greater Consciousness And Experience Awakening
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:
WHAT STAGE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ARE YOU IN?
WHAT STAGE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ARE YOU IN?
Discover the 6 stages of awakening and find out where you are in your journey.
- Deepen your meditation practice.
- Surrender the desire for experiences.
- Remain anchored in practice, humility, and sincerity.
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.
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.
