Samādhi Pāda: Orientation to the Aim

Mapping the Path

Samādhi Pāda describes the goal of yoga: clarity of awareness and freedom from identification with the movements of the mind.

It outlines:

• the nature of mental fluctuation

• the difference between attention that is scattered and attention that is stable

• the progressive refinement of awareness

• the layers and states of absorption are often misunderstood as mystical or exceptional

Patañjali is not offering fantasy or promise. He is describing states of consciousness that arise naturally when the mind is no longer confused about what it is… it’s true nature.

These states are not ego achievements. In fact, ego (asmita) continues to appear until discernment is complete. Without this understanding, even refined states of concentration can become sources of attachment, superiority, or harm.

This is why clarity of purpose is essential before technique.