Nirvikalpa Samadhi & Savikalpa Samadhi can each be (Bahya) External or (Antar) Internal. (Bahya) External Savikalpa Samadhi can itself be Sight-related (Drisyanuvidha) or Sound-related (Shabdanuvidha).

In Sight-related (Drisyanuvidha) (Bahya) External Savikalpa Samadhi one fixes on the Background Reality behind Objects that appear in the Mind.

In Sound-related (Shabdanuvidha) (Bahya) External Savikalpa Samadhi one holds to Reality as the Source of external phenomena.

In Sight-related (Drisyanuvidha) (Antar) Internal Savikalpa Samadhi one holds to the Reality Source & Support of Emotions & Attachments.

In Sound-related (Shabdanuvidha) (Antar) Internal Savikalpa Samadhi one holds to the Reality Source & Support of Thoughts.

In (Bahya) External Nirvikalpa Samadhi one merges with the One Reality underlying all phenomena. A visual image is that of a still Ocean of Consciousness whose waves (thoughts) are quieted.

In (Antar) Internal Nirvikalpa Samadhi one merges with the One Reality underlying thought. A visual image is that of a steadily burning flame unmoved by any wisps (thoughts) of air.

When the waveless Ocean of Consciousness symbolizing (Bahya) External Nirvikalpa Samadhi & the steadily burning flame symbolizing (Antar) Internal Nirvikalpa Samadhi continue effortlessly & unattended as Identical, such stands for Sahaja Nirvikalpa Samadhi which is Liberation.

As previously noted, Ramana Maharshi described Sahaja Nirvikalpa Samadhi as pure Consciousness, like a river merged into the Ocean of Consciousness. That image & the other previously noted, of a Mind’s Bucket rope cut in the Well of the Self, along with the Waveless Ocean & the Flame re excellent contemplations for ant Seeker who best seeks Permanent Inner Reality by Self-Inquiry, without measuring or hankering for Samadhi or ant special States [though grateful for any, should they temporarily arise].

[The above themes & 1600 pages more are freely available as perused or downloaded PDF’s, the sole occupants of a Public Microsoft Skydrive “Public Folder” accessible through  www.jpstiga.com ]