Final answer:
Samadhi is the final stage of the Ashtanga Yoga system described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, representing the union of the individual's soul with the supreme soul, or the true reality, achieved after following the previous limbs which lead to this high state of consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Samadhi is defined as a state of oneness - the union of the self with the supreme soul or true reality. It represents the final and eighth limb of the Yoga system, where the individual's soul joins with the supreme soul, culminating in the cessation of all mental fluctuations and the distinction between the observer and the observed. This state is achieved after progressing through the prior seven limbs, which include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, and meditation, all leading to this ultimate state of being.
In the context of Patanjali's teachings, Samadhi represents the spiritual goal of Yoga, where the individual transcends the limitations of the mind and matter, experiencing liberation. It is an evolved state of consciousness where pure awareness is realized, independent of the transient experiences of the physical world. Samadhi is not only the final step after intense meditative practice but also the culmination of a disciplined and ethical lifestyle as prescribed by the earlier limbs of Yoga.