1-2 Yogaḥ Citta-Vṛtti -Nirodhaḥ - CVN
The state called Yoga naturally arises when we continuously practice directing (nirodhaḥ) the cognitive processes (vṛtti-s) of the mind (citta).
The Mind – Many Terms – Many Roles Manas – Mental processor - processes all sensations - leader of the senses – etymologically related to the word “man” or “hu-man”. It can’t process outside information/knowledge (vidya) via the senses clearly because of ignorance/misperception (avidya). It has not applied knowledge through actions from deep within (vivekam) – the manomaya (brain, 6th sense) level in pancamaya system.
Ahamkara – Ego - believes it is in charge (the Master of the system) – steals the Cit’s (Soul’s) power to direct our lives. It does not understand that Cit (Soul, Seat of Consciousness) is its Source. It is the interface between the manomaya (brain) and vijnānamaya (deep-seated applied knowledge) level in pancamaya system.
Buddhi – Deeper mind – Values, deep seated samskāra-s (unconscious patterns/tendencies from this life and other lives). It must be trained to choose correctly and help the manas (brain) decide what to allow through its filter and what to reject. It is closest to the Draṣţa (Active Perceiver, Soul). The more sattvic (pure) it is, the more vivekam (intuitive, unmediated wisdom) it has at its disposal. When it is able to listen to the whisperings of the Soul, it receives its unmediated perfect wisdom (vivekam), not based on the knowledge of senses or the brain (indriya-s/manas). It is able to reflect what the Soul (Draṣţa) correctly determines is the best course of action for the least amount of suffering in any given situation. It is the vijnānamaya (deep seated applied knowledge) level in pancamaya system.
Citta - Individuated consciousness –Part of prakṛti (mind-body-matter) – Synonymous with buddhi since it too understands that Cit (Pure Consciousness, Puruṣa, Soul) is its Source. Citta (mind) is known by its 5 cognitive processes (vṛtti-s) and is covered in kleśa-s (the 5 misperceptions of a clouded mind). As it evolves, it becomes more sattvic (pure) with more prajna-vivekam (unmediated spontaneous intuition-wisdom from the Soul) and fewer kleśa-s (5 misperceptions).
The purpose of Yoga is to bring duality to Oneness. Citta (individuated consciousness) eventually merges back into its Source, Cit (pure consciousness). The mind’s purpose is to show the external world to the internal Soul and to reflect the Light of the Soul so that it remembers who IT is (IV,23). The citta (mind) serves the Cit (Soul) and cannot function without it. It has no purpose except to act as the servant to the Soul (Cit) rather than the false master (IV, 24 and II, 21). The mind (citta) is always changing while the Perceiver (Cit) is not (IV,19).
Yoga Sutra Journal Questions for September
How do you experience that state called Yoga in your daily life? How do you uncover your natural state of Happiness and Joy? What activities help you reign in the untamed mind so that you can experience the Joy that naturally arises from that quiet state of body-mind? Can all of these activities promote that state of mind called Yoga? Can they all be considered Yoga practices?