Yoga Sutra 1.18: Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Samskara Shesha Anyah~ Pure Awareness
Introduction
Yoga Sutra 1.18 introduces Asamprajnata Samadhi, the highest state of meditation beyond conceptual thought. This verse, “Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Samskara Shesha Anyah”, explains that in this state, the mind is free from mental activity, and only subtle impressions (samskaras) remain. Understanding this sutra helps practitioners move beyond intellectual meditation and experience deep spiritual stillness.
The Meaning of Yoga Sutra 1.18
The Sanskrit phrase “Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Samskara Shesha Anyah” can be broken down as follows:
- Virama (विराम) – “Cessation or complete stopping”
- Pratyaya (प्रत्यय) – “Cognition or mental activity”
- Abhyasa (अभ्यास) – “Practice or repeated effort”
- Purvah (पूर्वः) – “Preceded by or coming before”
- Samskara (संस्कार) – “Mental impressions, subconscious imprints”
- Shesha (शेष) – “Residue, remainder, or trace”
- Anyah (अन्यः) – “Other or distinct”
A widely accepted translation is: “The other type of Samadhi (Asamprajnata) is preceded by constant practice and is attained when all mental activity ceases, leaving only subtle impressions.”
This sutra describes the transition from cognitive meditation (Samprajnata Samadhi) to non-conceptual absorption (Asamprajnata Samadhi), where the mind dissolves into stillness.
Understanding Asamprajnata Samadhi
Unlike Samprajnata Samadhi, where meditation involves objects of focus, Asamprajnata Samadhi is a state of pure awareness where even thoughts dissolve. It is the highest level of meditation, leading to spiritual liberation (Kaivalya).
Example 1: A Candle Burning Out
Imagine a candle that gradually dims until it is completely extinguished. This represents the mind in Asamprajnata Samadhi—where thoughts fade until only silent awareness remains.
Example 2: The Still Ocean
An ocean that was once filled with waves eventually becomes perfectly calm, reflecting the sky. Similarly, Asamprajnata Samadhi is the complete stillness of the mind, where only subtle subconscious imprints exist.
Example 3: Deep Sleep vs. Conscious Awareness
In deep sleep, the mind is at rest, but in Asamprajnata Samadhi, the practitioner remains fully conscious while being free from thought activity. This is awareness without mental fluctuations.
Why This Sutra Matters
Yoga Sutra 1.18 is crucial because it describes the deepest state of meditation, where the mind transcends all thought and rests in pure awareness. This state brings true inner peace and ultimate freedom.
Key Takeaways:
- Asamprajnata Samadhi is a state beyond thought and conceptual meditation.
- It is reached through continuous practice and detachment.
- Even though mental activity ceases, subtle subconscious impressions (samskaras) remain.
How to Apply Sutra 1.18 in Daily Life
To move toward Asamprajnata Samadhi, practitioners can adopt the following habits:
1. Deepen Meditation Practice
- Practice silent meditation beyond mantras or guided techniques.
- Observe thoughts without engaging in them.
- Allow the mind to rest in awareness without seeking experiences.
2. Reduce Mental Attachments
- Let go of intellectual analysis during meditation.
- Focus on pure being rather than mental constructs.
- Avoid distractions that reinforce identification with thoughts.
3. Cultivate Detachment from Thoughts
- Recognize that you are not your thoughts.
- See mental activity as waves that arise and dissolve naturally.
- Trust that deeper stillness is always present beneath surface-level thoughts.
By integrating these principles, we develop greater self-awareness, inner peace, and spiritual depth.
Conclusion
Yoga Sutra 1.18 explains that Asamprajnata Samadhi is a state of pure awareness beyond thought, achieved through dedicated practice. By transcending mental activity and letting go of conceptual meditation, practitioners move toward true inner stillness and liberation.
Embracing “Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Samskara Shesha Anyah” as a guiding principle allows us to experience life beyond mental fluctuations, resting in the vast stillness of awareness.
