Yoga Sutra 1.18: Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Samskara Seso Nyah

As we continue exploring Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, we notice how the balance of practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya) steadily quiets the fluctuations of the mind. In the previous sutra, Yoga Sutra 1.17, Patanjali introduced samprajñāta samādhi—a state of deep meditative absorption supported by reasoning, reflection, bliss, and a subtle sense of individuality.

Now, in Yoga Sutra 1.18, Patanjali guides us further into the realm of asamprajnata samadhi—a higher and more refined state of meditation. Unlike the earlier stage, this samādhi transcends even the subtlest support of thought or identity. Here, only the impressions (saṁskāras) of past practice remain, while the restless activities of the mind dissolve.

This sutra reveals that yoga is not merely about concentration but about gradually entering a state of pure being, where the mind no longer obstructs awareness. It points to that profound stillness—like the silence just before dawn—that allows the light of consciousness to shine unobstructed.

What does Yoga Sutra 1.18 mean?

The “other” samadhi—asamprajnata samadhi—described in Yoga Sutra 1.18, arises when the patterns of thought completely dissolve, leaving behind only the subtle seeds of past impressions (samskaras). This is not a forced or manufactured stillness. Instead, it is the natural quieting (virama) of the mind that unfolds through steady practice (abhyāsa).

Unlike ordinary concentration, here there is no object of focus, no sense of “I,” and no reinforcement of identity. What remains is objectless, pure awareness—a consciousness untouched by mental fluctuations.

This sutra marks a profound shift on the spiritual journey. It teaches us not to cling even to blissful states of meditation, but to recognize that true liberation lies in going beyond them. The invitation is clear: release attachment to every experience, no matter how elevated, and rest in the pure essence of awareness itself.

Translation

Sanskrit: विराम-प्रत्ययाभ्यासपूर्वः संस्कारशेषोऽन्यः ॥ १८ ॥
Transliteration: virama-pratyaya-abhyasa-purvah samskara-seso-nyah

Meaning: The state of cessation—where only subtle latent impressions (saṁskāras) remain—is the doorway to the “other” samādhi (asamprajñāta).

Word-for-Word Translation:

• virama = cessation, stillness, complete rest
• pratyaya = mental content, thought, or cognition
• abhyasa = steady practice, discipline
• purvah = preceded by, comes before
• samskara = subtle impressions, mental imprints
• sesah = remainder, what is left
• anyah = the “other” state (here, referring to asamprajñāta samādhi)

Deeper Explanation

The “Other” Samādhi

In Yoga Sutra 1.17, Patanjali explained samprajnata samadhi—a meditative state still supported by subtle mental activities such as reasoning, reflection, bliss, and a faint sense of individuality.

Here, in Sutra 1.18, he points to the “other” samādhi (anyaḥ), which transcends all of these supports. This is asamprajñāta samādhi—a state of absorption completely free from mental activity.

In this state, the mind no longer thinks, reasons, or grasps. It is as if the fire of thought has gone out, yet the faint glow of past impressions (saṁskāras) remains, like lingering embers.

Virama-Pratyaya: The State of Termination

The term virama-pratyaya is key in this sutra. It refers to a state where mental processes naturally come to rest—not because they are suppressed, but because the mind has settled into profound stillness. In this state, thoughts no longer arise; the mind is at peace, like a restful sleep without dreams.

Imagine a lake. In ordinary consciousness, thoughts, desires, and distractions create ripples that disturb its surface. Even in samprajñāta samādhi, although the ripples are subtler—appearing as self-awareness, bliss, or deep reflection—the water is still in motion.

But in asamprajñāta samādhi, the lake becomes perfectly still. No ripples remain, only the silent depth. Here, awareness shines without disturbance, vast and untouched.

The Role of Abhyāsa

Patanjali reminds us that this profound state of stillness is always preceded by consistent practice (abhyasa). One cannot stumble into such depth by chance—it requires discipline, self-mastery, and the steady cultivation of inner peace.

Here, abhyasa is not limited to formal meditation alone. It also means the ongoing training of the mind to turn inward, to relax, and to release its habitual grasping. Without this steady practice, the mind would either wander restlessly or sink into dullness and sleep.

Through abhyāsa, the practitioner learns to rest in a state of natural cessation, where awareness remains awake, clear, and undisturbed.

Saṁskara sesah: The Last Thoughts

Patanjali acknowledges that even within this profound silence, samskaras—the subtle impressions left by past actions, thoughts, and experiences—still remain. These are not active thoughts but dormant seeds, quietly resting in the fertile soil of the mind.

If these seeds are not completely dissolved through knowledge and liberation, they hold the potential to sprout again, shaping new patterns and cycles of thought. This is why a meditator may enter asamprajñāta samādhi yet later return to ordinary consciousness.

True freedom (kaivalya) dawns only when these latent impressions are fully disintegrated, leaving no trace to pull the mind back into its old habits.

The Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 1.18 reminds us that the yogic path is not simply about quieting the mind for a moment, but about uncovering and dissolving the deeper roots of conditioning.

Many practitioners mistake states of bliss, profound meditation, or subtle insight as the final goal. Patanjali cautions us, however, that even in the absence of active thought, subtle impressions (saṁskāras) may still remain. As long as these seeds endure, the cycle of conditioning continues.

This sutra is a powerful reminder that yoga is not merely about moments of peace or temporary joy—it is about complete freedom (kaivalya), liberation from the very roots of bondage.

Living Sutra 1.18

Asamprajnata samadhi, as described in Yoga Sutra 1.18, is a state where the mind becomes so still that even the faintest thoughts dissolve, leaving only the subtle impressions of the past.

We can begin to embody this teaching in daily life by creating simple moments of silence. This doesn’t require hours of meditation. It can be as small as pausing between tasks, observing the breath, or sitting quietly without reaching for a phone or distraction.

The practice is about gently training the mind to rest in awareness itself, rather than grasping at every thought or emotion. Instead of getting caught up in problems, we learn to watch them drift by—like clouds floating across the sky.

Over time, this nurtures resilience, sharpens clarity, and cultivates a deep inner peace that no external situation can shake.

Concluding Thoughts

To dive deeper into the practical application of this sutra—as well as other profound teachings of Patanjali—you are warmly invited to explore the path at Rishikesh Yogkulam. Here, your divine journey of yoga and spirituality truly begins.

This renowned yoga school welcomes seekers from around the world, at every level of practice, to experience authentic transformation—nurturing body, mind, and soul on a holistic level.