Samadhi Pada : Chapter 1 of Patanjali Yoga Sutra

The Samadhi Pada is the first chapter of Patanjali's Yog Darshan or Yoga Sutras, and it serves as the foundation for the practice of yoga and the attainment of a state of meditative absorption known as "samadhi."  

In the Samadhi Pada, Patanjali explains the purpose of yoga, which is to quiet the fluctuations of the mind, called "vrittis," in order to experience the true nature of the self. This is achieved through the practice of "samadhi," a state of deep concentration and meditation where the individual's consciousness merges with the object of focus, transcending the sense of separation between the observer and the observed.  

The Samadhi Pada delves into the different types of samadhi and the methods by which they can be attained. A central concept in this chapter is "chitta-vritti-nirodha," which refers to the stilling or calming of the mind-stuff or "chitta."  

Obstacles and distractions that hinder the attainment of samadhi are also discussed in the Samadhi Pada. These include desires, attachments, and aversions. Patanjali presents a path for overcoming these obstacles through the practice of "abstinences" (yamas) and "observances" (niyamas).  

The Samadhi Pada also explores the distinction between two types of samadhi: "savikalpa" (qualified) and "nirvikalpa" (unqualified). Savikalpa Samadhi is a state of concentrated and still mind, but the merger with the object of focus is not yet complete. Nirvikalpa Samadhi, on the other hand, is the state where the mind is fully absorbed and merged with the object of focus, leading to a complete dissolution of the sense of self.  

In summary, the Samadhi Pada of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras establishes the fundamental principles of yoga as a means to quiet the mind and attain self-realization through the practice of samadhi. It introduces various types of samadhi, outlines the path to overcome obstacles, and emphasizes the importance of the highest state of samadhi for achieving liberation and self-realization.