Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath, Chapter 1 Verse 18

Pada 1, Sutra 18

Sanskrit Verse

Virama-pratyayabhyasa-purvah sanskara-seso ‘nyah

Translation

The other Samadhi or enstatic absorption, which possesses residual subconscious impressions or Sanskaras, ensues from the practice of the presented-idea of cessation .

Interpretation

The type of Samadhi indicated is called Asamprajnata Samadhi and it is defined here in this verse. It is an experience stemming from a continuum in consciousness in that it follows, it flows from Samprajnata Samadhi. So the awareness of the Yogi moves from Samprajnata or distinguished, object-orientated cognitive absorption (qualified enstatic absorption) to Asamprajnata or non-distinguished cognitive absorption (non-qualified enstatic absorption). This transition is arrived at by the Yogi going deeper into the state of non-attachment by letting go of the four distinctions stated in the previous verse which are:

Observation, Reflection, Feeling of bliss and the sense of ‘I am’. This requires constant practice of the awareness of the fluctuations of the mind-stuff with and in an attitude of total detachment.

In the state of Asamprajnata Samadhi the Yogi transcends all distinctions of object-subject duality. This is the state of pure experience. In that state the Yogi is getting closer to the experience of the Pure Self, the unobstructed vision of Reality Itself (or Nirbija Samadhi). The only thing that stands in his/her way to experiencing the Pure Self / Reality Itself are the remaining traces of sanskaras or residual subconscious impressions.