Savikalpa

Savikalpa describes any cognitive state in which there is still a subject-object-instrument distinction. Savikalpa-samādhi includes meditation with a definite object, still within the meditator-meditated duality. All ordinary knowledge is savikalpa. The final target of Vedānta is nirvikalpa — direct recognition of ātman without mental construction —, but savikalpa-samādhi is a legitimate preparatory stage, not an obstacle.