change of consciousness after samadhi

Answer in Details

In the teachings and philosophy surrounding Lord Shiva, particularly within Shaivism and yogic traditions, Samadhi is the highest state of meditative absorption where the individual self (jiva) merges with the Supreme Consciousness (Shiva or Paramashiva).

Change of Consciousness after Samadhi:

1. Oneness with Shiva: After experiencing Samadhi, the devotee realizes the non-duality between the self (Atman) and Shiva. This leads to the understanding that all existence is permeated by Shiva’s consciousness.

2. Transcendence of Ego: The sense of individual ego diminishes or dissolves. The practitioner operates from a state beyond personal desires and attachments, seeing the world as Shiva’s divine play (Lila).

3. Inner Peace and Bliss (Ananda): The consciousness is suffused with a deep, unshakeable peace and bliss that is independent of external circumstances. This is often described as Shiva’s Ananda, the bliss of the Supreme.

4. Detachment and Compassion: A person who has attained Samadhi under Shiva’s guidance becomes deeply compassionate yet detached, loving all beings as manifestations of Shiva without being entangled in worldly illusions (Maya).

5. Wisdom and Discrimination (Viveka): The mind becomes clear and discerning, able to distinguish the eternal (Shiva) from the transient (the world). True knowledge (Jnana) dawns.

6. Living Liberation (Jivanmukti): In Shaivism, one who attains Samadhi may continue to live in the world but is liberated from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) while alive. This state is called Jivanmukti, exemplified by Lord Shiva himself as the ever-liberated (Mukta).

Shiva’s Teachings:
Scriptures such as the Shiva Sutras, Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, and various Upanishads associated with Shaivism describe these transformative effects of Samadhi, emphasizing surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana), self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), and devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Shiva as the path and the goal.

In summary:
After Samadhi, consciousness is no longer bound by individuality. It becomes Shiva-consciousness—universal, blissful, compassionate, and free from all limitations. This is the ultimate fulfillment of Lord Shiva’s teachings: realizing one’s true nature as Shiva.