Movements of the Mind (Citta-Vṛtti)
Yoga, in one line: the stilling of the mind's restless movements.
Citta-vṛtti means the constant 'movements' or modifications of the mind — the unending stream of thoughts, impressions, and reactions. Patañjali's celebrated definition of yoga is precisely 'the stilling of the movements of the mind': when the mental waves settle, the pure self shines forth in its own nature rather than being colored by the agitation. Mapping and calming these movements is the practical heart of Yoga psychology.
How it traveled
- Bhagavad-gītāKuru-Pañcāla region · -150explains
- Yoga-sūtraKāśī (Varanasi) · 375explains
- Haṭhayoga-pradīpikāKāśī (Varanasi) · 1450explains
Key passages(20)
Vivekacūḍāmaṇi · Śaṅkara (traditionally ascribed; authorship doubted)
Through whatever reason the restless, unsteady mind wanders away, let him curbing it from that, bring it under the subjugation of the Self alone.
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Verily, the mind, O Krishna, is restless, turbulent, strong, and unyielding;. I regard it quite as hard to achieve its control, as that of the wind.
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'All these (beginning with mind and ending in sacrifice) centre in consideration, consist of consideration, abide in consideration. Therefore if a man is inconsiderate, even if he possesses much learn
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When the five instruments of knowledge stand still together with the mind, and when the intellect does not move, that is called the highest state.
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