A Comparative Study of Samādhi in Buddhism and Yoga Philosophy

Abstract

The state of samādhi has been explored by several scholars and emphasizes this state as one pointedness of the mind. However, later, considered the state of samādhi as concentration or one-pointedness recognized as a misconception, it highlights the need to study samādhi in-depth and holistically. Moving to the religious and philosophical traditions of Buddhism and Yoga, under its soteriological path of the Noble Eightfold Path and eight limbs of yoga, the state of samādhi is commonly discussed and considered as one of highest state. Exploring the state of samādhi described in Buddhism and Yoga provides a holistic and in-depth view of samādhi. Because both are representing a distinctive doctrinal foundation and commonly focused on the attainment of samādhi. As described in each tradition through the ethical control, mind-body balance, and object meditation practice, individual is able to attain the state of samādhi in Buddhism and Yoga commonly. Even the evolution of samādhi as an alternative consciousness state leads up to nine stages commonly. But the attainment is different; in Buddhism, the ninth attainment is cessation of perception and feeling (saññāvedayitanirodha), and Yoga attains a mystical or psychic state of cloud of virtue (dharmamegha samādhi). This comparative study claims that the state of samādhi is attained through a common pathway. But based upon the doctrinal foundation, the generated state of samādhi is manipulated. Buddhism, the state of samādhi, evolves to make the consciousness free from self (anattā), and Yoga utilizes the samādhi to center the consciousness into the true self (purusa).