Question: We often hear of Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Is it possible only for the Avatars to attain this? Or is it possible for all sincerely practising Sadhakas to attain that stage? Could you explain the types of Samadhis?
My friends criticised that Lord Buddha’s renouncing could not be justified because he neglegted his duty as a father and husband. I didnot know what to answer. Is it right for a householder to leave ones duty? Kindly clarify my doubts.
Answer: Nirvikalpa Samadhi is the last word in Spiritual Life. It is definitely possible for every Sadhaka (Spiritual Aspirant) to attain it, provided he pursues his Spiritual Sadhana (Spiritual Practices) sincerely. Different texts speak of different Samadhis and Patanjali has dealt in detail about this in his ‘Patanjali Yoga Sutras’. Swami Vivekananda has translated it in his book ‘Raja Yoga’. Try to get a copy of it and make a study.
Regarding renunciation of Buddha, he neglected his duty in the large interest of society of society. Just imagine how many thousands of aspirants have been benefited because of his realization.
There is a saying in Sanskrit – “One should renounce the home for the benefit of his village. One should renounce the village for the benefit of his town. One should renounce the town for the benefit of his country. One should renounce the country for the benefit of the world. One should renounce the whole world for the realization of God, because in turn, after his realization, the whole world will be benefited.”