Final answer:
Samadhi in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is described as the state of ultimate oneness with the supreme soul, achieved through the last stage of the eightfold path of Yoga, which involves the stopping of thought and a union of the observer and the observed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Samadhi in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Samadhi is defined as the state of oneness of the self with the true reality, referred to as the supreme soul. It is the eighth and final limb of the eightfold path of Yoga, which involves a progressive series of steps or disciplines that start with ethical standards (yamas and niyamas) and physical practices (asana and pranayama), and lead up to advanced stages of concentration and meditation. The culmination of these practices in Samadhi equates to the cessation of movements of thought, allowing individuals to experience their true selves and achieve ultimate liberation. In this state, the distinction between the observer and the observed is overcome, signifying a deep unity with the cosmos.