Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.211

c16.211

**Five Means of Samādhi.** The following five means (*upāya*) are enumerated for the attainment of Asaṁprajñāta-Samādhi (literally, “concentration not conscious of objects”) by Yogins. These are (1) *Śraddhā* defined as the contentment (*saṁprasāda*) of mind with truth which it seeks with the greatest zeal. This spirit of devotion to truth keeps up the Yogī in his quest thereof, like the well-wishing mother (*jananīva kalyāṇī*). It is to be observed that the mind cannot remain contented with anything except the ultimate Truth (*Ātman*). (2) *Vīrya*, strenuous exertion; (3) *Smṛiti*, mindfulness; (4) *Samādhi*, collectedness and concentration; and (5) *Prajñā*, discriminating insight whereby things are perceived as they truly are. By practice (*abhyāsa*) of these means coupled with *vairāgya* or detachment from objects, *Samādhi* of the highest stage is attained.