Enstasy

This has been described as extreme luminosity of consciousness with the merging of subject and object, such as occurs in [samadhi]

. There is complete cessation of volition but also total freedom from unconsciousness or sleep. The ordinary space-time continuum disappears and there is experience of the eternal present. The state arises suddenly and cannot be engineered; but it does require extreme inner immobility. Some have interpreted it theistically as an act of grace. It is contrasted with [jadya]

or [jada samadhi]

, pseudo-enstatic states of unconsciousness with no spiritual value. In systems of yoga, the state of enstasy is characterized by becoming, in consciousness, that which is contemplated. There are various stages of enstatic realization, depending on whether a subjective 'prop' is used or not - in other words, whether there is an object of consciousness and cognitive activity: samprajnata samadhi (four levels) and asamprajnata samadhi (one level). Enstasy has been described as ecstatic or hypnotic; but such descriptions tend not to be by those who have experienced the state and are therefore misleading. Others definitely distinguish enstasy from ecstasy, the former referring to a state or concentration when contacts with the external world are withdrawn, consciousness is empty of all content and wisdom is firm.