Yoga Sutra 1.46

Tā eva sabījaḥ samādhiḥ

Summary

Yoga Sutra 1.46, “Tā eva sabījaḥ samādhiḥ,” translates to “These (states) are with seed (sabīja) samādhi.” This Sutra explains that the meditative states discussed previously are still associated with seeds of mental impressions and are not the final stage of samādhi.

Analysis of the Sutra

Tā eva (These):

“Tā eva” refers to the meditative states described in the preceding Sutras, which include various levels of concentration and absorption.

Sabījaḥ (With seed):

“Sabījaḥ” means “with seed,” indicating that these states of samādhi still contain seeds of mental impressions (vāsanās) and latent tendencies (samskāras). These seeds can potentially lead to future thoughts and distractions.

Samādhiḥ (Samādhi):

“Samādhi” is the state of deep meditative absorption where the mind becomes one-pointed and fully focused. In this context, it refers to a state of samādhi that is not yet free from all mental seeds.

Significance of the Sutra

Intermediate Stage:

This Sutra highlights that the meditative states described are intermediate stages on the path to ultimate liberation. They are profound but not the final goal, as they still involve subtle mental activities.

Awareness of Mental Seeds:

Understanding that these states are “with seed” encourages practitioners to remain vigilant. It underscores the importance of continued practice to eventually reach nirbīja samādhi, the seedless state where all mental impressions are dissolved.

Path to Liberation:

The Sutra serves as a reminder that the journey of yoga involves progressing through various stages of samādhi. Each stage is significant, but the ultimate aim is to transcend all seeds of mental impressions.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation:

Traditional commentators emphasize the importance of recognizing the presence of mental seeds in these states. They stress that while sabīja samādhi is a high state of consciousness, it is not the final liberation, which is achieved only in nirbīja samādhi.

Modern Interpretation:

Modern interpretations often focus on the psychological aspects of these meditative states. They view sabīja samādhi as a stage where the practitioner gains deep insights into the workings of the mind but still needs to address underlying mental patterns and habits.

Yoga Sutra 1.46 underscores the importance of understanding the intermediate stages of meditation. It highlights the need for continued practice and vigilance to ultimately achieve the seedless state of samādhi, free from all mental impressions.