Prakaraṇa 8, verse 4 outlines six distinct modes of mental absorption, each representing a specific approach to cultivating samādhi. The terms savitarka and nirvitarka – with deliberation and without deliberation – acknowledge that the initial stage of dhyāna often involves an active engagement with the object of meditation, followed by a gradual refinement of focus. Similarly, savicara and nirvicara – with discursivity and without discursivity – capture the nuances of the thinking mind, illustrating the effort to control and eventually transcend the incessant flow of thoughts. The inclusion of sananda and nirananda – with bliss and without bliss – highlights the crucial role of emotional states in guiding the yogī’s attention, while sasmita – with identification – underscores the potential pitfalls of clinging to specific mental impressions. This careful enumeration reflects a systematic approach, a recognition that the path to samādhi is not a single, linear process, but a skillful navigation of diverse mental states.