In Yoga, Samadhi is the highest state of meditation. It is the eighth limb in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali. Samadhi is the state where the mind becomes still and awareness rests in itself. Traditionally, Samadhi is treated as a spiritual experience. Today neuroscience gives us a new language to understand Samadhi without reducing its depth. When Yoga and Neuroscience are seen together, Samadhi seems to be a state of complete neural harmony. In Yogic tradition, Samadhi is not an escape from daily life. It is a refined state of attention.

 

The mind is no longer perturbed by thoughts, stress, anxiety, and desires. Instead of reacting, the mind becomes steady and aware with clarity. It does not happen suddenly. But it is the result of sustained practiceethical living, proper posture,breath regulation, sense withdrawal, concentration, and meditation. Samadhi is the natural flowering of this long disciplined inner work. From the perspective of modern neuroscience, human brain is constantly processing information and data. Default Mode Network is always active where the brain is wandering, worrying, thinking, and ruminating. Neuroscientific research has shown that deep meditative states reduce reactivity in this network. The brain quietens and mental noise reduces.

 

The brain shifts from self referential mode to the present moment awareness. This closely matches with the state of Samadhi where the sense of I doer becomes less dominant. Breath plays a very dominant role in both Yoga and neuroscience. In Pranayamas, slow and rhythmic breathing calms down the nervous system. Neuroscience confirms this by proving that such breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system through vagus nerve. As a result, the heart rate slows down and stress hormones reduce.

 

The brain moves towards better coherence. In Yogic terms, it may be called the stabilisation of Prana. From scientific point of view, neural networks become more synchronised. This harmony between breath, heart, and brain creates a stable foundation for meditation to deepen into Samadhi. Another important aspect is attention.Yoga speaks of Dharana (focused attention) and Dhyana (effortless meditation). Neuroscience states that sustained attention strengthens neural circuits.

 

Over time the brain becomes better at staying focused without strain. Distractions lose their grip. This is the reason that long term meditators show increased cognitive clarity, emotional regulation, and resilience. Thus, Samadhi is not only a philosophy , but a reality of trained attention and regulated neural activity. Emotions are also transformed and processed during this process. Normally emotions arise quickly and push the subject into action and reaction. Yoga teaches to witness emotions without suppression or indulgence.Neuroscience also shows that in the state of full awareness, the mind becomes less reactive and the amygdala which is the brain’s centre of fear and threat is under control.

 

At the same time the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for wisdom and decision becomes more active. This balance allows the emotions to arise and pass without disturbing inner calm. Samadhi is not blank, but heightened awareness and clarity. The brain becomes deeply relaxed, but remains alert. So many practitioners report a state of unity and effortless understanding. Neural harmony supports inner silence and mental resilience. Thus, such a mind responds, rather than reacts. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■