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Hey there! Ever wondered what yoga has to say about our busy, restless minds? In this blog, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of Eastern philosophy, especially Yoga, and see how it stacks up against Western views. We’ll break down the five states of mind from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and uncover how yoga practices help us find stillness and reach self-realization.
The Five Functions of the Mind (Chitta) in Yoga
The Yoga Sutras, an ancient Indian text on yoga philosophy, describes the mind (chitta) as having five main functions:
- Kshipta (Fickle): A scattered and restless state, jumping from thought to thought.
- Mugdha (Infatuated): A clinging or obsessive state, fixated on a particular idea or object.
- Vikshipta (Distracted): A wavering or indecisive state, unable to focus on one thing.
- Ekagra (Single-Pointed): A state of focused attention, where the mind is concentrated on a single object.
- Nirudha (Still): A state of complete mental stillness, where all mental activity ceases.
The ultimate aim of yoga practices like meditation is to achieve a state of Ekagra or Nirudha, moving beyond the first three restless states.
Eastern vs. Western Views of the Mind
Western thought traditionally viewed the mind positively, associating it with reason, intelligence, and creativity. Thinkers like Descartes emphasized the mind’s central role in human experience with the famous quote “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am).
Eastern philosophies, however, hold a more nuanced view. Swami Vivekananda famously compared the mind to a “drunken monkey,” constantly jumping from thought to thought. Similarly, Buddha linked human suffering to the restless nature of the mind. The Bhagavad Gita, another foundational text of Hinduism, describes the uncontrolled mind as a “difficult enemy to conquer.”
The Yoga Path to Stillness and Beyond
The Yoga Sutras, through practices like meditation and pranayama (breath control), aim to quiet the mind’s constant chatter. This allows us to experience our true nature, often referred to as the Atman (soul) or pure consciousness.
Beyond achieving stillness, Yoga also emphasizes the concept of Chitta Shuddhi (purification of the mind). This involves cultivating positive qualities like compassion, kindness, and equanimity while reducing negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and fear. By purifying the mind, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being that permeates all aspects of our lives.
The Role of the Senses and Self-Inquiry
The Yoga Sutras emphasize the role of the senses as the starting point for mental activity. External stimuli trigger thoughts and emotions, causing ripples in the mind like a stone thrown in water. Controlling the mind begins with controlling the senses and their inputs. Practices like Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) help us disengage from external distractions and turn our attention inwards.
Ramana Maharshi, a renowned Indian sage, advocated for Atma Vichara (Self-Inquiry) as a powerful tool for quieting the mind. By repeatedly asking “Whose thought is this?” when a thought arises, we begin to peel back the layers of identification with the mind, ultimately revealing our true essence. This process of self-inquiry can be challenging but ultimately leads to a deep sense of self-awareness and liberation.
The Yoga Sutras on the Mind-Body Connection
The Yoga Sutras view the mind and body as interconnected. The state of our mind directly impacts our physical health and vice versa. Stressful thoughts and emotions can manifest as physical ailments, while a calm and focused mind can promote overall well-being. Yoga practices like asanas (physical postures) not only strengthen and tone the body but also cultivate mental discipline and focus.
Applications of Yoga Psychology in Modern Life
The principles of Yoga psychology offer valuable tools for managing the complexities of modern life. By understanding the various states of mind and their impact on our well-being, we can choose practices that cultivate inner peace and resilience. Mindfulness meditation, for example, has been shown to reduce stress, and anxiety, and improve focus. Techniques like pranayama (breath control) can help regulate emotions and promote relaxation.
Yogic Journey for Inner Peace
Understanding the mind’s various states and its impact on our well-being is crucial for personal growth. By incorporating yogic practices like meditation, pranayama, and self-inquiry techniques, we can learn to quiet the monkey mind and experience the stillness that lies at our core. This journey towards inner peace and self-awareness not only benefits our own lives but also contributes to a more mindful and peaceful world.
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(Originally published on Coaching the Spirit – a LinkedIn Newsletter by Ram S. Ramanathan: Stop the Mind, Let me Get Off)
