The Five Vrittis
Modifications of Mind
Vritti is first mentioned in the Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali in Chap 1 v2 Sage Patanjali says "Yogachitta Vritti Nirodhah", which
translates as "to block the patterns of consciousness is Yoga".
Vritti in this context according to Swami
Satyananda1 means patterns, or circular patterns of consciousness.
In v5 vrittis are classified as five modifications of
mind, which are painful and not painful which in fact makes ten modification. In fact mind assumes many forms or patterns in
all the different roles and perceptions it takes on endlessly through all the
different categories of mind eg. Subconscious, Unconscious etc. in all of the
different Koshas (Sheaths or bodies) until the
ultimate higher stages of Nirvikalpa Samadhi are
reached.
5.The highest
Universal Consciousness (Maha Kundalini) remains aloof, the eternal mystery
which is unaffected by mind, birth, death, rebirth and modifications of vrittis. But to get to that state of realisation and
experience of true consciousness beyond mind, it is said first we have to deal
with, channel, control and experience the five vrittis
that Patanjali mentions in the Yoga Sutras. They are:
Pramana (right knowledge), Viparyaya (wrong knowledge), Vikalpa ( Imagination
or Fancy), Nidra (Sleep), Smriti (Memory)
·· Pramana - sources of right knowledge are
direct cognition, inference and testimony. Direct cognition is derived through
the senses. Inference is reliable when based on sound reasoning. Testimony is
not reliable unless the person has right knowledge to begin with and has the
ability to instruct without mistake. This is where the Master (Master of the
self) or Preceptor becomes invaluable.
·· Viparyaya - is misconception or false
illusory knowledge which does not correspond to a real object. An example is we
see something and take it to be something else, this
could be based on wrong knowledge or Avidya.
·· Vikalpa - Complete fantasy and imagination
that captivates and may even entertain the mind for some time.but
without the perception of an object
·· Nidra - The state of sleep where there is
an absence of awareness. Total unconsciousness without
dreams, ego, desires, and awareness.
·· Smriti - Memory of past experienced sense
perceptions and not letting them go. The ability to bring out the
Sub/Unconscious impressions of the mind, memories, samskaras,
and archetypes and accurately unfold them with the conscious mind is the
faculty of smriti.
In order to go beyond the Chitta (Mind) vrittis and stop
their never-ending influence one has to adopt Abhyasa
(persistent practice of Yoga Sadhana) and practice Vairagya
(absence of craving).
Patanjali prescribes Abhyasa
and Vairagya in order to go beyond the limitations of
mind and experience the soundless bliss of Nirvikalpa
Samadhi.
Bibliography
1.
Saraswati ,Swami Satyananda 1976
Four chapters of Freedom
Munger,
Copyright © Satyam Yoga Centre - August 2000
(Swami Mounamurti Saraswati)
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only in its entirety and authorship must be acknowledged