Samadhi in Hinduism means higher levels of intense meditation, or dhyana, in Yogic schools. Samadhi is the state of mind in which the mediator is absents from the thought of ones own self. The thing or object meditated upon, are all considered to be but one.

Samadhi is a Sanskrit word which means the state of realization achieved by complete meditation. The word Samadhi is derived from `sam` meaning together or integrated, `a` means towards, and `dha` means to get or to hold. Thus Samadhi means to acquire integration or wholeness, or truth.

In Hinduism Samadhi is the main subject of the first part of the Yoga Sutras called Samadhi Pada. In the Mahabharata it is mentioned that yoga is samadhi that is total control over mind.

Samadhi in Hinduism is described in various ways. Samadhi is stated as being aware of one`s existence without any thought, in a state of undifferentiated `beingness` or as an altered state of awareness that is characterized by bliss or ananda and joy or sukha.

Samadhi is classified into four levels. They are Laya Samadhi, Savikalpa Samadhi, Nirvikalpa Samadhi and Sahaja Samadhi.

The Laya Samadhi is the potential level of samadhi. It begins in deep meditation like in the form dancing or singing. Laya Samadhi is a state of joy, deep and general well-being, and peaceful meditation.

Next is the Savikalpa Samadhi that refers to the primary state of the complete samadhi. In this form of Samadhi, the mind is still active, as is the kalpa, meaning imagination. In Savikalpa Samadhi one can feel ecstasy and beingness, but still attached to the worldly attractions.

Nirvikalpa Samadhi is the main transcendent state of consciousness or raelization. In this state of meditation there is no longer mind, duality, or subject-object relationship or experience. This is the ultimate form of Samadhi in which one as realize everything as one. This is the pure awareness. Samadhi is the only steady static reality and all the other things are ever-changing and do not bring eternal peace or happiness.

In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the ultimate form of Samadhi, all attachment to the material world and all karma are dissolved. All awareness is withdrawn step by step from the physical, astral and causal bodies until self-realization or oneness with the soul is achieved. During the process of Nirvikalpa Samadhi breathing stops and the heart stops beating. Aware and fully conscious oneness with soul is then achieved in a most loving way, and all cells of the physical body are flooded with the Ocean of Divine Love and Divine Bliss for any period of duration. Then comes the time when the mediator feels to be connected with the ultimate oneness.

Samadhi can also be achieved in Bhakti or devotion of God. Thus in Bhakti Samadhi is the complete absorption into the object of one`s love or Krishna. Thus true samadhi is achieved only when one has pure, unmotivated love of God. This is achieved by performing daily activities and dedication of the Supreme Being. Thus in Samadhi, meditation means to absorb your mind in the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is meditation, real meditation.

Samadhi is achieved by leaving the body leaving their bodies as a final attainment or soul-liberation. It is at this time when the soul knows a complete and constant union with the Heavenly Godhead and merges effortlessly into the transcendent amrita of Divine Bliss. It is said that sometimes the yogi leaves the body and returns.

Mahasamadhi or the great samadhi is a term often used for this intentional departure from the physical body at death. The individual exceeds to worlds beyond karma and returns to God, merging into transcendental Bliss.