The sage Patanjali did not waste much time in defining yoga. In the second stanza of the “Yoga Sutras” he said, “Yoga is the complete cessation of the modifications of the mind”.
And what happens when the mind becomes still? This is answered in the next stanza: “Consciousness then resides with the Self”.
The ultimate aim of yoga is to achieve the state where all thoughts have ceased. This state is known as Samadhi. The first Samadhi that a Yogi achieves is known as “Savikalapa Samadhi”.
In Savikalapa Samadhi thoughts have ceased but there is an awareness of one’s separate identity. The ego still exists along with the mind even in this state of complete calm. The person is not “realized” and remains trapped in the mind. The meditator remains at the “doorstep of God” while not quite opening the door.
“Vasana” is an yogic term for our attachments and desires. Vasanas are caused by the ego and are our source of bondage and separation from the Self. In Savikalapa Samadhi Vasanas still exist. And when the yogi comes out of this Samadhi she is like any other normal human. Effort is needed to get into this Samadhi and remain in it.
James Lynn was a disciple of Yogananda and he meditated everyday for at least three hours based on the instructions given by Yogananda. He was a busy millionaire businessman but he still made time for his meditation and because of his diligent effort he achieved Savikalapa Samadhi in just a few years.
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