In the practice of meditation, the ultimate goal is to go beyond the distractions of the mind and experience pure awareness. When the practitioner withdraws from external attachments and turns inward, a profound stillness emerges. At this stage, all fluctuations of thought, emotion, and sensory perception begin to dissolve. The yogic texts describe this state with the phrase
“Tada drastuh svarupe vasthanam”, which means that the seer, or the true self, abides in its own pure nature. It is a state where one is no longer entangled in the play of desires or fears but rests in the inherent clarity and bliss of consciousness itself. This realization is not something newly acquired but rather a rediscovery of what has always been present within. The awareness that shines when the mind becomes quiet is free from identification with body, mind, or ego. In this state, practitioners experience equanimity, compassion, and profound peace, as they no longer oscillate between pleasure and pain. The practice of yoga, self-inquiry, and disciplined living supports this inward journey, guiding one gently toward this state of abiding presence. Thus,
“Tada drastuh svarupe vasthanam” stands as a powerful reminder that true freedom lies not in acquiring more experiences but in recognizing and resting in the eternal essence that is already within us. This is the culmination of spiritual practice and the heart of all contemplative traditions.
