Samprajnata Samadhi — Cognitive Samadhi With Support
Samprajnata Samadhi (cognitive samadhi) is the spectrum of absorption states that still involve some cognitive activity — from gross reasoning through subtle reflection to the threshold of objectless absorption.
Patanjali maps four levels of Samprajnata (with-cognition) Samadhi based on the subtlety of the cognitive activity present: Savitarka (with reasoning/analysis), Savichara (with subtle reflection), Sananda (with joy or bliss), and Sasmita (with I-am-ness). In Savitarka Samadhi, the mind is absorbed in an object while still analyzing it; in Savichara, the object has become subtle (energy, sense, mind itself) and the analysis has become subtle reflection; in Sananda, even reflection has ceased and only bliss pervades; in Sasmita, only the pure sense of 'I am' remains. Each level corresponds to a deeper dissolution of mental activity until only the threshold of Asamprajnata (objectless) Samadhi remains. These four levels provide a practical map for deep meditation practice: rather than a single undifferentiated state called 'samadhi,' Patanjali offers a graduated map with specific characteristics that practitioners can use to locate and orient themselves.
The four cognitive absorptions culminate in the highest discrimination and the threshold of liberation.
Contemplative neuroscientist Antoine Lutz's EEG studies of experienced meditators document qualitatively distinct neural patterns corresponding to different depths of absorption states — from focused attention through open monitoring to non-dual awareness — confirming that Patanjali's map of samadhi levels reflects genuine distinctions in meditative experience.
Yoga Bhashya