Samadhi Pada • sutra 19
| भवप्रत्ययो विदेहप्रकृतिलयानम् ॥१.१९॥ bhava-pratyayo videha-prakṛti-layānam ॥1.19॥ |
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| For the videha yogi (formless yogi) and the prakṛtilayāna yogi (yogi united with nature), the birth is the mere cause (of asaṁprajñātaḥ samādhi). |
| Commentary In the previous sutras (sutra 1.17 and sutra 1.18), Patañjali described two types of samādhi: saṁprajñāta and asaṁprajñāta. Now, he begins to explain how these states are attained. This sutra speaks of two types of yogis: the videha yogis, those who have transcended the limits of the physical body, and the prakṛtilayā yogis, those who merge with the primordial nature (prakṛti). This state of birth – or, more precisely, “coming into the world in this condition” – is a cause for attaining the asaṁprajñāta samādhi. The videha yogis are described as beings who have transcended the gross physical body, existing on subtle planes of existence. One might think of deities or beings of pure energy who have reached a state where their consciousness is no longer limited by material form. The prakṛtilayā yogis, on the other hand, dissolve completely into prakṛti, becoming one with it. It is as if they allow themselves to be absorbed by the phenomenal reality, losing the distinction between themselves and the material manifestation, but without having yet reached ultimate liberation. However, here comes the crucial clarification: these states are not the ultimate liberation. As traditional commentators (such as Vyāsa, I.K. Taimni, and B.K.S. Iyengar) also point out, being born already in one of these conditions does not imply the true samādhi that leads to liberation (kaivalya), because the clear discrimination between Puruṣa (pure consciousness) and Prakṛti (material nature) is still lacking. In simple terms, there is not yet total awareness of the true nature of being. It may seem like an elevated realization, but it is still a phenomenon tied to karma. In summary, the sutra teaches us that being in a state of deep absorption is not enough. It is just a phase, not the final destination. To attain true liberation, conscious discrimination is required. Believing otherwise means being distracted from the true goal of the yoga practice. It is a bit like thinking that being able to touch one’s toes is the pinnacle of yoga… when, in reality, it is just the beginning. Or, like an athlete who, during a marathon, becomes distracted by picturesque landscapes along the route, forgetting that he or she must continue on their path toward the final goal.  Daily Mindfulness BitesToday, observe the moments when you feel particularly present, without clinging to thoughts or emotions. When the mind settles and the breath becomes natural, you may experience a calmness that, although not samādhi, seems to indicate a potential state of deep meditation. Presence Exercise: Every time you notice a moment of mental or physical calm, pause for a moment and observe without judgment. Do not force anything; let the moment manifest as it is, without expectations. Try to perceive if there are times when you are fully in the present, without the need for an object to cling to. Reflection: How often are you aware of these moments of detachment and calm? What if you began to consider them as signs of a deeper process that might eventually lead to a state of samādhi, even if we don’t exactly know what it is? In these moments, there is no need to search or know for sure; what matters is recognizing that each moment of awareness might bring us closer to the understanding of a greater peace. |
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