Do we understand the meaning of this word? It is used so liberally and also in fun. In India, while growing up, as children we would describe an inattentive person as being in samadhi. The actual meaning is the culmination of Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga.

The word samadhi is made up of two roots, sama which means equal, and dhi which means to hold. Samadhi does not grant one liberation; it is a field of awareness comprising supra-consciousness which means above the level of consciousness. It is the result of total one pointedness of mind and expansion of consciousness from the day to-day awareness to cosmic awareness.

Cosmic awareness is to be aware of the universe. Samadhi starts with total concentration on the object of meditation, with no other thought, not even the awareness of the witness remaining. As explained by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Swamiji once narrated an experience he had as a child interacting with a Guru, who had attained samadhi. The Guru was in perpetual samadhi. When his family had an audience with him, he asked them questions about their health, their business and other material issues. Swamiji was expecting some guidance and wise words. When their darshana was over, the family emerged saying that how blessed they were and they felt that all their troubles had been dispersed. At that tender age, Swamiji understood the meaning of samadhi, which was the Guru was above awareness.

Aim Hrim Klim