Nirvikalpa

PRACTISE DEEP MEDITATION AND RETAIN ITS EFFECTS

Deep meditation and perfect control of feeling by holding on to the calm aftereffects of meditation – these lead to SAMADHI, the ecstasy of Self-realization and oneness with God.

But the ecstasy of SAVIKALPA SAMADHI, in which you enjoy bliss within but lose external awareness of the body and the world, is not enough.

What you want is NIRVIKALPA SAMADHI, or conscious ecstasy. That is the highest state, in which you remain outwardly fully conscious and active as well as inwardly fully perceptive of your God-union.

It took me a long time to achieve that supreme level of consciousnes. Lahiri Mahasaya and Master used to be always in that state. In NIRVIKALPA SAMADHI you can perform all your duties and face all the tests of life without ever being disturbed.

~ SRI SRI PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA,
HOW FEELINGS MASK THE SOUL,
THE DIVINE ROMANCE, Pg 229