Yoga Sutra text 1.2

Text 2: yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ yogaḥ,

yoga; citta, the mind; 

vṛtti, fluctuation, state;

nirodhaḥ, restraint, control 

Translation: Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Pantajalin, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).

Citta refers to the mind, including its layers of consciousness, thoughts, and emotions. The concept of “citta” is central in understanding how yoga practice influences our mental state. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, particularly in Sutra 1.2, “yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ,” define yoga as the process of stilling the fluctuations (vṛttis) of the mind (citta). This sutra underscores the essence of yoga: to achieve a state of mental clarity and tranquility.

The fluctuations, or vṛttis, are various forms of mental activity — thoughts, emotions, memories, and imaginations — that can disturb the mind’s tranquility. When the mind is in turmoil, our perception of reality becomes distorted.

Now, let’s imagine a serene scene on a full moon night. The sky is clear, there is no wind, and the water in the lake is perfectly still, allowing you to see the reflection of the moon. Now, let’s throw a stone into the water. As the stone creates disturbance and waves, the reflection of the moon becomes distorted and unclear. You are no longer see the clear reflection of the moon. So the lake is there, the moon is there, you are there, but the reflection of the moon is no longer there. This analogy applies to us as well. When there is disturbance in our minds, are unable to see things clearly as they truly are, and the union between ourselves and the world is disrupted. If we consider the lake as our citta (mind), the moon as the material world, and the stone as our interaction with the material world through our senses, we can understand that our perception becomes distorted. Just as the stone disturbs the water, our absorption in the material world creates disturbances in our citta, preventing us from experiencing true union and perceiving things as the way they are. When we can eliminate these disturbance in our citta, we enter a state of yoga (union) and experience the fruits of practicing yoga. It is important to note that yoga is often misunderstood as merely physical postures (asana), breathing exerices, mindfulness practice or something exclusive to India. However, yoga goes far beyond than that. Its ultimate aim is to eliminate the disturbances (vrittis) in our citta. Another example is all of our actions are governed by the law of karma. Whatever we do, good or bad, creates karma and we experience the results of our karma. The law of karma operates without any divine intervention or external force. However, yoga provides tools to reduce the impact of our karma, by reducing the disturbance in our mind. It is similar to carry an umbrella when it’s raining, while we cannot stop the rain, having an umbrella helps us to minimize the impact of the rain. 

Consider the scenario of a challenging day at work. You have an important meeting that doesn’t go as planned, leading to criticism from your boss. This event is akin to the stone disturbing the tranquil lake – it creates ripples of frustration, self-doubt, and anger in your mind. These emotional disturbances (vrittis) cloud your perception and may lead to further negative reactions or decisions, akin to the distorted reflection of the moon in the ruffled lake. The ultimate aim of yoga is nirodha, the stilling or restraining of these fluctuations, to achieve mental clarity and stability. This aligns with the analogy of the still lake — when the mind is calm, and undisturbed, it reflects reality clearly, without distortion.

This situation also exemplifies the law of karma. Your reactions to the criticism – whether you respond with anger, frustration, or calm introspection – will generate karma. If you react negatively, it may lead to strained relationships or more stress, perpetuating a cycle of negative karma. Conversely, responding with understanding or seeking constructive growth can create positive karma, leading to better outcomes in the future.

Practice yoga helps us to reduce the effects of (bad) karma by stilling the disturbance of the changing mind (vritti) to create clarity and stillness of the mind (nirodha).

Practical tips to still the mind in daily life include:

1.  Mindfulness Practice: Engage in mindfulness exercises, like paying full attention to your breath or the activities you are doing. This practice helps bring your focus back to the present moment, reducing the impact of mental disturbances.
2.  Regular Meditation: Set aside time for meditation daily. Meditation helps in observing the patterns of the mind and gradually quieting the constant chatter.
3.  Yoga Asanas: Physical postures in yoga are not just about fitness; they help in preparing the body and mind for meditation, contributing to mental stillness.
4.  Positive Affirmations and Self-Reflection: Cultivate positive thinking and self-reflection. This helps in understanding and addressing the root causes of mental disturbances.
5.  Pranayama (Breath Control): Breathing exercises in yoga are powerful tools for controlling the mind. Techniques like deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing can be particularly effective in calming the mind.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can work towards minimizing the vrittis, thus fostering a state of nirodha. This journey towards mental stillness not only improves your day-to-day clarity and well-being but also aligns with the broader yogic goal of transcending the limitations of the ego and connecting with a deeper sense of self.

At The Yoga Nest, we offer classes and workshops on asana, pranayama (breath control) and course in Ashtanga Primaries series. Come to us, you own the practice, and feel the transformation from within.