Samadhi (Total Absorption)

 Samadhi (Total Absorption) – Merging with the Infinite

There are two main types of Samadhi:
A. Savikalpa Samadhi (With Form & Duality)
    Awareness remains, but the ego is still present.
    One experiences bliss, divine visions, or a deep sense of unity.
    This is an entry-level Samadhi, where effort is still required.

B. Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Beyond Mind & Form)
    The mind completely dissolves into the Infinite.
    No thoughts, no sense of self—only pure consciousness.
    This is permanent liberation (Moksha) if maintained.
 

Jivan Mukti (Liberation while alive): The realized being lives in the world but is untouched by it.
 

Videha Mukti (Liberation after death): The final dissolution into Brahman, no rebirth.
The liberated one is free from karma, desires, and suffering.
 

So-Hum is a powerful and natural mantra that means "I am That" , referring to the universal consciousness. It is linked with the breath and helps in achieving deep meditation, inner stillness, and eventually Savikalpa Samadhi.

Synchronize the Mantra with Breath
    As you inhale, mentally hear or say “So” (pronounced as "Sohhh").
    As you exhale, mentally hear or say “Hum” (pronounced as "Hummm").
    Do not force the breath—let it remain natural and effortless.

 

 

Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal)

Pratyahara  (Sense Withdrawal) is the fifth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, acting as a bridge between external practices (asana, pranayama) and internal practices (dharana, dhyana, samadhi). It involves withdrawing the senses from external distractions and turning awareness inward.

1. Create a Conducive Environment
    Find a quiet and distraction-free space.
    Sit in a comfortable meditative posture (Sukhasana, Padmasana, or Vajrasana).
    Keep your spine straight and hands in Gyana Mudra (thumb and index finger touching).

2. Focus on the Breath (Initial Preparation)
    Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
    Use slow, rhythmic breathing (4-4-6 pattern: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6).
    Let the breath anchor your attention inward.

3. Detach from the Senses One by One

    A. Sight (Chakshu Pratyahara) – Withdrawing from Visual Stimuli
    Close your eyes gently.
    Visualize darkness or an internal light (like a candle flame or the third-eye point).
    Imagine the outer world fading away.

    B. Hearing (Shabda Pratyahara) – Withdrawing from Sounds
    Focus on the sound of your breath instead of external noises.
    If external sounds distract you, mentally repeat OM or another mantra.
    Try Bhramari Pranayama (humming bee breath) to tune inward.

    C. Smell (Gandha Pratyahara) – Withdrawing from Scents
    Take a deep breath and become aware of the surrounding scents.
    Shift your focus to the sensation of breath entering and exiting your nostrils.
    If needed, use a neutral or calming scent (like sandalwood or lavender) to center your mind.

    D. Taste (Rasa Pratyahara) – Withdrawing from the Tongue
    Keep your tongue relaxed, slightly touching the roof of your mouth.
    Avoid craving food or recalling flavors.
    Imagine your tongue becoming neutral, with no desire for taste.

    E. Touch (Sparsha Pratyahara) – Withdrawing from Physical Sensations
    Bring awareness to your body, then mentally detach from it.
    Feel lightness as if you are floating.
    If discomfort arises, observe without reacting—let it dissolve.

 

About me

About

A leading figure in oral pathology with over two decades of academic experience & 200+ publications. He did BDS, MDS, & Ph.D. from Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, and an MBA in Hospital Administration from JNU, Jaipur.

What I love about my job?

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

We have virtue and excellence as we have acted rightly.

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and did but never forget how you made them feel.

My interests and hobbies

He is currently an Executive Committee member of Indian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists.

He has worked for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Libya. He has also worked under the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences at Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan. He has worked in Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals as Associate Dean and also as Professor and Head of Labs and Clinics.

He has published over 200 papers and has more than 1,200 citations. He has played a key role in digitizing oral pathology at Saveetha Dental College.

He was also involved in various academic and administrative roles, including academic council, research integration, and operations management at the University Campus. He is also an NAAC examiner for University Accreditation, an NIRF coordinator, an NABH implementation-trained administrator, and a DCI inspector in India.

In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Karthikeyan was the editorial manager of MM Publishers, overseeing 16 dental specialty journals.

He also serves on the editorial boards of BMC Oral Health, Open Dentistry Journal, Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi), and Cureus Journal of Medical Sciences. He is a board member of Crossref, Karger Publishers, Springer-Nature, and Wiley Publishers.

He is also a Ph.D. guide and a guest lecturer at universities worldwide.

A skilled clinician, dedicated oral pathologist, caring teacher, and a lovable human being.