Bhava samadhi

Bhava Samadhi is a state of ecstatic consciousness that can sometimes be a seemingly spontaneous experience, but is recognized generally to be the culmination of long periods of devotional practices.[1] It is believed by some groups to be evoked through the presence of "higher beings."[2] "Bhava" means "feeling", "emotion", "mood", "mental attitude" or "devotional state of mind."[3] "Samadhi" is a state of consciousness in which the mind becomes completely still (one-pointed or concentrated) and the consciousness of the experiencing subject becomes one with the experienced object. Thus, "bhava samadhi" denotes an advanced spiritual state in which the emotions of the mind are channelled into one-pointed concentration and the practitioner experiences devotional ecstasy.[4] Bhava samadhi has been experienced by notable figures in Indian spiritual history, including Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and some of his disciples, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his chief associate Nityananda, Mirabai, Kundalini Guru Shri Anandi Ma,[5] and numerous saints in the bhakti tradition.[6]

  1. ^ Swami Sivananda See here, Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh, Shri Shri Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj: Life & Spiritual Ministration, pp. 109 Shri Shiva Rudra Balayogi "The Path Supreme" 2010 page 160 and See teachings of Shri Shiva Rudra Balayogi here Archived 2010-03-29 at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ^ Thomas L. Palotas, "Divine Play, the Silent Teaching of Shivabalayogi", pp 87-9,
  3. ^ See here Archived April 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, here and Swami Sivananda here
  4. ^ Shri Shiva Rudra Balayogi, "The Path Supreme" 2010, page 44
  5. ^ Shri Anandi Ma Dancing In Samadhi, retrieved 2022-10-15
  6. ^ Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh, Shri Shri Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj: Life & Spiritual Ministration, pp. 110. and Jestice, Phyllis G, Holy People of the World: A Cross-cultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. (2004) ISBN 978-1-57607-355-1 pp 723.