The profound aphorism ‘yogascittavrttinirodhah’, meaning cessation of all chitta vrittis is yog, attributed to Sage Patanjali, encapsulates the essence of yog and the path to samadhi.
Chitta vrittis refer to the constant fluctuations and movements in the mind. The chitta, often described as the mind-stuff or the consciousness, is in a perpetual state of motion. Thoughts, emotions, memories, desires, and various mental activities are the vrittis that continually arise and dissolve within the chitta. Yog, as elucidated by Patanjali, is the state of samadhi, which can be best described as the ultimate union of the individual self with the universal consciousness.
One cannot rush the journey to samadhi. Nature has its own rhythm, and yog is about aligning with that natural flow. The concept of vritti provides a deeper insight into the functioning of the mind. Vritti can be likened to ripples on the surface of a river when the wind blows. Thoughts arise in the chitta in a similar manner, often in an incessant and rapid succession. The cessation of these mental fluctuations is the essence of yog. It is the stillness of the mind, the quietening of the chitta’s turmoil, that leads to the state of samadhi.
When a vritti arises in the mind, it captures our attention and influences our perception. Just as you cannot listen to two people speaking at the same time, the mind cannot focus on multiple thoughts simultaneously. The content of your awareness at any given moment is determined by the vritti that dominates the chitta.
These vrittis are constantly in motion, even during sleep when they manifest as dreams. They are the mental ripples that obscure the deeper waters of consciousness. Patanjali’s teachings guide us on the path to stilling these vrittis, allowing us to glimpse the tranquillity of samadhi.
Understanding the five states of the chitta – kshipta, moodha, vikshipta, ekagra, and nirodha – offers a roadmap for the aspirant. Kshipta represents a turbulent mind dominated by rajoguna, while moodha is characterised by tamoguna’s inertia. In vikshipta, there is a glimmer of introspection and a desire for inner calm. Ekagra signifies the integration of the mind with a predominance of satvaguna, and nirodha is the ultimate state of stillness, devoid of any vrittis.
The transition from moodha or kshipta to vikshipta is a significant milestone. It signifies a growing inclination toward inner exploration and yog. The more one can detach from attachments, desires, and fears, the easier it becomes to progress on the path of yog.
The journey to nirodha, to the state of samadhi, is not an easy one. It requires intense practice, self-discipline, and unwavering dedication. The shift from rajoguna and tamoguna to satvaguna is a fundamental step in this process.
This journey demands the cultivation of para-vairagya, an advanced form of dispassion that transcends worldly attachments and desires. It is the ability to remain detached from objects and experiences that have not even been encountered through the senses.
The state of nirodha is characterised by detachment, heightened awareness, and a profound witnessing of the self and the external world. It is a state of oneness with the universal consciousness, where the mind is completely stilled, and vrittis have ceased their incessant activity.