Phases of Focus Part 2

In last week's post I presented the first 2 of 4 phases of focus. They were Savitarka (focus on an object's gross qualities) and Nirvitarka (the gross qualities fall way). Nirvitarka is of a higher quality focus in terms of a meditation practice.

The last 2 phases of focus in this four step process to a deeper meditation practice are Savichara and Nirvichara. These two deal with subtle thoughts generated by the object of meditation. In Savichara meditation the subtle qualities of the object are present. The physical form and texture of the object have fallen away completely yet some semblance of the object remains but the mind can't quite identify with it any longer. The mind has nothing identifiable to cling to and enters into a deeper state of focus. Still, we have one more phase to go. In Nirvichara even these subtle impressions of the object dissolve and the mind may be embraced by the quiet void of deep meditation. Ahhh! What a beautiful place to be.

Interestingly, Patanjali suggests that as we move deeper through these 4 phases of focus the knowledge of "unmanifest nature" may become realized. Sweet!!