Mystical Union and Samadhi
Question
When practicionners from some theistic religions like Christianity or Sufism speak of Mystical Union or "Spiritual Marriage", is this the same as Samadhi in Yoga in your view? And between meditation and contemplation, is there any difference?
Answer
1. In reality, there is only one state; that of the self in the self. Consciousness then rests in itself without identification with anything external. That is also called Samadhi, which an aspirant eventually reaches.
However, the degree's of closeness between consciousness and the self vary till the state of the self in the self is not irreversibly attained to. These degree's are denoted by the different stages or types of Samadhi-s. There is however only one complete union or Samadhi as there is only one self, infinite and all pervading.
2. Contemplation precedes meditation.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)