1.5. vṛttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭākliṣṭāḥ
vṛttayaḥ, the changing states of mind
pañcatayyaḥ, fivefold;
kliṣṭa, detrimental, harmful, damaging, afflicted;
akliṣṭāḥ, nondetrimental, unafflicted
Transtation: There are five kinds of changing states of the mind, and they are either detrimental or nondetrimental [to the practice of yoga]. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Pantajalin, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).
The concept of “vrittis” in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a profound insight into the nature of the mind and consciousness. These vrittis are essentially the various thoughts, emotions, and patterns that manifest in our mind. According to Patanjali, these mental fluctuations can be categorized into five types. This categorization is pivotal in understanding how our mind works and how it can either be a source of suffering or a path to peace.
The terms “klishta” (painful) and “aklishta” (non-painful) in this context are crucial. They suggest that some of these mental fluctuations lead to suffering and negative emotions, while others do not. This distinction is key to understanding the dual nature of our thoughts and mental patterns.
In Yoga Sutra 1.5, once again, I’d love to bring back the powerful metaphor likening the mind’s fluctuations to the disturbance of a lake. Just as a disturbed lake can either harness wind energy (a useful application) or merely cause distortion and chaos, our mind’s disturbances can be either constructive or destructive. This analogy beautifully illustrates the potential power and pitfalls of our mental states. My friend Sarah, a teacher, often felt overwhelmed by stress and negative thoughts. After studying Yoga Sutra 1.5, she began to identify and categorize her thoughts as ‘kliṣṭa’ or ‘akliṣṭāḥ’. This helped her to consciously shift her focus towards positive thinking, significantly improving her mental well-being.”
We can also do this exercise by spending a few minutes each day to observe our thoughts. Label them as ‘kliṣṭa’ (detrimental) or ‘akliṣṭāḥ’ (nondetrimental). This practice helps in recognizing which thoughts contribute to our peace and which do not.” We can also do breathing exercise for calmness: “When encountering stressful thoughts (‘kliṣṭa’), practice deep breathing. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This helps in calming the mind and reducing the impact of negative thoughts.”
The practice of yoga, particularly as Patanjali teaches it, is centered around gaining a deeper understanding and control over these mental fluctuations. The ultimate goal is “chitta vritti nirodha” – the cessation of these fluctuations, leading to a state of inner stillness and clarity. Achieving this state is considered the pinnacle of yoga practice, bringing about a profound sense of peace and contentment.
Yoga Sutra 1.5 is more than just a philosophical statement; it’s a practical guide. It encourages practitioners to cultivate self-awareness, to discern the nature of their thoughts and emotions, and to actively work towards transforming negative mental patterns. This sutra serves as a reminder of the power we hold over our minds and the potential for transformation that lies within this understanding. By recognizing and managing the vrittis, we can navigate our mental landscape towards a more peaceful and fulfilling state of being.
Our workshop on Breathing and Pranayama will start in Jan 2024. Stayed tuned for details.
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