Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra considers several yogic qualities and the last two are samādhi and prajñā, which have a variety of nuanced meanings. The topic of samādhi is huge, evidenced by the first chapter of the Yoga Sūtra being entitled “samādhi,” and the great number of aphorisms which address it throughout the text. Briefly, samādhi refers to a meditative state of awareness with various stages, the ultimate involves a complete identification with the object of meditation. Prajñā is generally translated as wisdom. These two words can be seen as separate, or some interpret them as a phrase meaning “the wisdom of samādhi.”

In the process of meditation, one moves through the increasingly refined stages of samādhi, into the depths of awareness and the essence of reality. There’s a lot to say about the process and the effects that it has on us that is beyond the scope of the present discussion. But basically our awareness becomes clarified such that we see things more clearly. This allows us to begin to see the essence of reality, of who we are, and the nature of everything.

This clarity is associated with prajñā, translated as wisdom, insight, and discernment. It is a profound knowledge based on the increased awareness we experience in deep states of meditation. So there’s a sense of clarity and a wisdom arising from the deepest connection with the highest, yielding the ability to see things as they really are. That’s why some translators pair these two as the wisdom (prajñā) that is inherent in samādhi.

So our practice of yoga, particularly meditation, creates the conditions for this wisdom to emerge. As well, such knowledge reinforces the previous qualities listed: we have more faith/ śraddhā in the process of yoga and increased vīrya/strength. Smṛti/remembering is supported with this clarity of awareness, and one thing we remember is that connectedness the state of samādhi ultimately yields. The practical consequence is that as we access this wisdom within, it guides us in all our householder activities so that our life begins to reflect the highest possible outcomes.

REFLECT AND EXPLORE

Contemplate and write about samādhi and prajñā.

How have you experienced increasing discernment on your path of yoga?

How do you see the connection between all the five qualities listed in Yoga Sūtra 1.20?