In this text, "Samadhi" is discussed as a concept in Hindu tradition, referring to the burial place of a holy man, such as Gandhi, and the belief that holy men can voluntarily liberate their life-force from their physical bodies through yogic practices. This process is seen as a way to unite with the cosmic life-force. The saint Dyaneshwara, who lived in the 13th century, is mentioned as having taken samadhi, a term that some view as ritual suicide, which has caused controversy among devotees. The text explores the broader cultural context of voluntary death or liberation in Indian traditions, including practices like sallekhana (fasting to death) and jal-samadhi (drowning). It contrasts these concepts with the more modern interpretation of suicide as a sin, influenced by Christian beliefs. In the context of the Yoga Sutra, samadhi is described as the final step in the eightfold path of yoga, leading to kaivalya, or complete knowledge of the universe. The text suggests that samadhi might be understood simply as a return to one's origins, with the words "sama" (the first beat in music) and "adhi" (primal or first) symbolizing this return. In Vedanta, this origin is seen as divinity or consciousness, while in Tantra, it is associated with nature and the Goddess. Overall, the text highlights the complexities of interpreting samadhi, its spiritual significance, and the divergence of views within Hindu philosophy regarding life, death, and liberation.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories