Yoga Sutra 1.2 Chitta Vritti Nirodha
Maharishi Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2
Richa Grover
What does yogas chitta vritti nirodha mean?
The Sanskrit phrase “yogas chitta vritti nirodha” is commonly translated as “yoga is the stilling or controlling of the modifications or fluctuations of the mind.”
The second sutra is the very heart of yoga, and a closer look at the Sanskrit meanings reveals why.
Word by word translation of yoga sutra 1.2
Yogas — To yoke, to join, to unite
Chitta — Mind, consciousness
Vritti — Modifications, fluctuations
Nirodha — Controlling, quieting of
The four functions of chitta
According to yoga philosophy, the mind has four functions. Manas is the aspect of the mind that records external stimuli. Buddhi, sometimes called “higher mind" incoming impressions. Ahamkara is the ego mind, which filters everything through the lens of “I/me/mine.” The sum total of these creates the citta a vast storehouse of conscious and subconscious impressions.
The fluctuations of vritti
Vritti” is often translated as thought waves or the modifications of the mind.
Each of us has experienced how the vrittis—which include emotions, memories, and imagination—spin around inside the mind, especially when we try to sit for meditation.
When vrittis arise, they create a kind of patterns, they form samskaras, or impressions left by past experiences. They form the basis for future reactions, habits and mental fluctuations, which bind us to our karma.
In Sutra 1.5, Patanjali says that we experience five types of vrittis.
While we experience thousands of thoughts a day, knowing that these all fall into five basic categories makes it easier to control their fluctuations.Being able to identify each of these types of mental chatter helps you understand and attain mastery over their control on our actions and thoughts.
The five types of vrittis are:
1)Pramana (Correct perception)—something we know based on fact or observation.
2)Viparyaya (Delusion)—misperceptions that lead to false conclusions.
3)Vikalpa (Imagination)—fanciful or vague impressions.
4)Nidra (Deep sleep)—the absence of conscious thought.
5)Smriti (Memory)—recalling past thoughts or events.
Calming the mind with nirodha
The final word in Sutra 1.2 has been translated variously as restraint, control, or mastery, but nirodhah also implies a process of self-training. Through the process of yoga, we learn to restrain the vrttis, which many teachers have likened to calming the surface of a choppy lake so that we can see all the way through to the bottom. When we get to the bottom of this lake, we find Atman, the true self.
When we catch ourselves caught in a mental fluctuation, we can simply pause, acknowledge the distraction, and return our focus back to the breath. As we repeat this process over and over again, we begin to train our attention and restrain the vrttis.
How to practice yogas chitta vritti nirodha
As mentioned in Hatha yoga Pradipika
"Chale Vate Chale Chittam Nischale Nischalam Bhavet ".
Practicing yogendra pranayama breathing exercises like :
YP1 - Equal breathing
YP2 - Intercoastal breathing
YP3- Clavicular breathing
YP4- Diaphragmatic breathing
YP9- Alternate Nostril breathing
Pranayama will help you develop awareness of breathing and improving vital capacity of your lungs . It will calm an agitated mind.
Practising asanas like Child’s pose, Setubandh Asana and Seated Forward Bend promote deep relaxation and help quiet an agitated mind.
A regular meditation practice will help you develop your ability to be still and quiet.
Chanting Mantras and reading ancient scriptures also help us calm down our agitated mind.
Lastly, pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, helps us let go of distractions and mind chatter. Following a yogic diet will encourage mental equanimity.
Practising Forgiveness ( letting go) will help u renounce attachment .
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