TKYP207 - The Possibility of Samadhi
Self-realization is an unqualified, aware, present state of being. It is a synonym for enlightenment, nirvana, atma[1] jnana[2], etc. Self-realization occurs when one is awake and aware of one’s timeless essence, free of identification with any thought, emotion, memory, perception, object, or feeling. Self-realization is evident when these vrittis[3] (activities in consciousness) have subsided. The system of Yoga[4] was developed to encourage a repeatable procedure to experience Self-realization. The central practice of Yoga which provides a route to Self-realization is samadhi[5]. Samadhi is cognitive absorption. It is a state of consciousness where one focuses attention to a point, such that one is aware of what is focused on at the exclusion of all else. Repeatedly accessing samadhi, in a conscious way, results in an experience of timelessness and freedom from identification with a sense of limitation. Samadhi is the culmination of a structured approach to meditation which results in sustained, one-pointed focus. This structured approach is called Sanyama[6]. Sanyama is described in The Yoga Sutras, Chapter 3, verses 1-3 states, “Dharana[7] is a fixation of the field of consciousness within a focal point. The single directionality of thought towards the chosen focal point is meditation. When the field of consciousness reflects the chosen focal point alone, as if empty of its own form, there is cognitive absorption.” [1] Atma Defined: The Self. Transcendent being. [2] Jnana Defined: Knowledge. Not data, but wisdom/knowing. [3] Vritti Defined: Fluctuations in the field of consciousness. [4] Yoga Defined: A formal practice with the intention, structure and purpose to cultivate repeated experiences of spiritual experience that result in absolute soul-freedom. [5] Samadhi Defined: Cognitive absorption. [6] Sanyama Defined: Sustained focus on a chosen object of awareness that culminates in Samadhi. [7] Dharana Defined: Focusing consciousness an a chosen object. Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda. If you would like to participate in online live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program. For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. Also, now available Understanding the Holy Science: A Theoretical and Experiential Study Guide to Sri Yukteswar's Kriya Yoga Practice. For more information about Kriya Yoga events, courses and online classes please visit: A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work. https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course. https://kriyayogaonline.com/ A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com) Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth. https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline-