Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without questions, without the constant worries that occupy our minds?
Yoga, especially through the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, offers a guide to achieving a state of deep peace and clarity known as samadhi. A state of happiness and absence of questioning. In fact, this concept has influenced multiple spiritual traditions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and even Sufism, demonstrating how yoga has transcended religious and cultural boundaries.
Samadhi: A state of happiness and absence of questioning
But, back to modern life... our days are full of distractions: technology, work commitments, social media, and constant worries. These mental fluctuations, known in yoga as Citta vritti, distance us from a state of peace. Samadhi, in its essence, is the moment when the mind becomes completely still and merges with universal consciousness.
The mind becomes completely still and merges with universal consciousness.
It’s complex to explain, but Patanjali defines it as a state where the fluctuations of the mind cease. It’s not just a philosophical concept but a lived experience that brings clarity, happiness, and a deep sense of connection.
How can we approach samadhi in modern life?
- Establish a daily meditation practice: Meditation is the most powerful tool to calm the fluctuations of the mind. Find a quiet space, adopt a comfortable posture, and focus on your breath or a mantra. Consistency is key to observing progress.
- Learn the art of detachment (vairagya): In modern life, this means letting go of the need to control everything, giving up attachment to specific outcomes, and accepting what life presents to us. Practice detachment by observing your emotions and thoughts without judgment.
- Integrate mindfulness: Being aware of the present moment while walking, eating, or working helps calm the mind and reduce the mental noise that pulls us away from inner peace.
- Simplify your life: Simplify your routines, reduce reliance on technology, and dedicate time to activities that nourish your soul. External simplicity facilitates internal silence.
- Cultivate a healthy diet and lifestyle: Yoga isn’t limited to meditation; it also includes taking care of the body and mind through a balanced diet and healthy habits. Eating fresh and nutritious foods, practicing asanas regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential to maintaining a calm mind.
- Have patience and persistence: Achieving samadhi is not something that happens overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and commitment.
Although it may seem like a distant concept, samadhi is not exclusive to monks or advanced practitioners. With the right tools and sincere dedication, anyone can work toward a state of mental peace and spiritual connection.
