asamprajnata

Asamprajnata, in yoga philosophy, refers to a highest form of dhyana (meditative absorption) described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The term is formed from a- (without) and samprajnata (with discernment or seeds of mental content), meaning seedless or without mental seeds.

Conceptually, asamprajnata samadhi is an absorption in which the mind’s ordinary discursive thoughts and sense-modifications have ceased, leaving no object of meditation to distinguish. The practitioner remains aware, but without identification with any mental contents; awareness is of pure consciousness or the self. In this state the usual distinctions between observer and observed dissolve, and the mind rests in tranquil, radiant awareness.

Traditionally, asamprajnata is described as the culmination of meditative practice and is often portrayed as residing beyond ordinary sense-perception. Attainment is said to pave the way to kaivalya (liberation or isolation), in which consciousness remains in its fundamental, undifferentiated state.

Different schools and commentators describe the state with some variation. Some identify asamprajnata with nirvikalpa samadhi (seedless, without mental content), while others treat them as distinct stages on a continuum of samadhi. In practice, reaching this state is associated with sustained practice of dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation), along with pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and adherence to ethical disciplines.

Because asamprajnata is rooted in classical texts, modern discussions emphasize its phenomenological characterization rather than a single procedural method.