Brahmanubhuti – 21
(Nirvikalpa Samadhi in Vedanta)
Let us contemplate on Nirvikalpa Samadhi in Vedanta, We discussed Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga. In Vedanta also, many times Nirvikalpa Samadhi mentioned. We should not confuse this Nirvikalpa Samadhi with the Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga. Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga is obtained through breath control, mastery over breath and prana, Whereas, Nirvikalpa Samadhi in Vedanta is due to process of jnana. They are very different. Do not confuse with the other.
Sri Shankara speaks of Nirvikalpa Samadhi in ‘Viveka Chudamani’. People confuse this with Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga. They are not the same. Sri Shankara says, the mind has to be made Nirvikara. Nirvikara means without disturbances. How do you make the mind Nirvikara? By taking up the Sakshi bhava, by becoming the witness, the mind becomes Nirvikara. The mind which takes Nirvikara, because of Sakshi bhava or Sakshi Vritti, has to be made tranquil by taking Brahmakara Vritti, or Akhandakara Vritti. This will lead to a realization called “Brahma Akhandarasa” or “Brahmanubhuti”.
(Steps in Nirvikalpa Samadhi)
The steps involved in Nirvikalpa Samadhi, as per Sri Shankara, is making the mind Nirvikara. Becoming Sakshi, taking Sakshi Vritti. Any thoughts coming, any objects coming in the mind, the mind should not get involved in that. Because, they are all Mithya, appearances like a wave in the consciousness. Don’t get involved in that. Then the mind becomes tranquil, the mind becomes silent. This is called Nirvikara. From Nirvikara, you have to take Brahmakara – of the form of consciousness, of infinity. Nirvikara Vritti to Brahmakara Vritti. Nirvikara Vritti to Akhandakara Vritti/ Brahmakara Vritti. From Brahmakara Vritti you will attain “Brahman” or “Akhandarasa”. This he calls as Nirvikalpa Samadhi. It has nothing to do with the Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga. Do not confuse these two.
So, Sri Shankara speaks of Samadhi obtained through discriminative intelligence. Buddhi has to use discrimination, to find Atma and Anatma, Nitya and Anitya. Based on that, Buddhi has to discard, what is not important and make the mind tranquil, witness and from there Brahmakara Vritti has to be obtained. From there, Brahmanubhuti has to be obtained. This is the process of Vedanta. The steps involved are Shravana, Manana and Nidhidhyasa. This is the way, somebody has to approach Nirvikalpa Samadhi in Vedanta. Do not ever confuse, Nirvikalpa Samadhi in yoga and Nirvikalpa Samadhi in Vedanta.