Bhava samadhi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Bhava samadhi, sometimes translated as 'trance', has no direct counterpart in the English language, though "ecstasy" is the closest translation.[7] The various translations that have been proposed all refer to an ecstatic state of consciousness, which is attained by channelling the emotions into one-pointed concentration. For example, in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, the author, M., later identified as Mahendranath Gupta, recounts observing Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's introverted mood in which he became "unconscious of the outer world."[8] M. later "learnt that this mood is called bhava, ecstasy."[9]
"Bhava" denotes the mood of ecstasy and self-surrender which is induced by the maturing of devotion to one's 'Ishta deva' (object of devotion).[10] "Bhava" literally means feeling, emotion, mood, or devotional state of mind. This refers to the aspirant's emotional life, which in the practice of jnana or raja yoga is controlled in order to transcend the spheres of the mind and intellect. In bhakti yoga, however, bhava is neither controlled nor suppressed, but is transformed into devotion and channelled to the Lord."[11] Swami Sivananda states it is an "internal feeling" that needs to be developed through proper practice just like any other faculty of the mind e.g. memory or will power.[12]
According to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa real bhava can only be said to occur when the relationship with the Divine is so established that it remains fixed in our consciousness at all times, "whether eating, drinking, sitting or sleeping."[13]
Only when the bhava has fully ripened does the sadhaka (spiritual seeker) experience "bhava samadhi."[14] Bhava samadhi occurs when the emotions are perfectly channelled into one-pointed concentration on the object of one's devotion.[15] It has also been described as "Absorption in meditation due to emotional cause, e.g. kirtan [devotional music]"[16] and "sheer ecstasy, a condition caused when the heart is seized by the Divine embrace."[17]
Devotional practices that can evoke bhava, such as "bhajans" and kirtan (spiritual music), are standard practices in the bhakti tradition, and in the missions of many Indian saints including Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Shivabalayogi Maharaj. Shivabalayogi often used the words "bhava" and "bhava samadhi" interchangeably.[18] He explained bhava as follows:
"Everyone is in some sort of bhava of the guru because of their attachment to the guru. The mind's attachment and devotion is the true bhava."[19] “Bhava is the beginning for samadhi and tapas. Higher souls induce it. Bhava helps in physical, mental, and spiritual progress."[20]
The qualities required for a genuine bhava samadhi have been emphasized by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa when he said that while lower spiritual experiences may arise from "the momentary exuberance of emotions" bhava samadhi cannot be sustained unless worldly desires have been removed and proper qualities have been established like renunciation and detachment.[21]