The distractions and
fluctuations of the mind can be very confusing.
While the Sanskrit word yoga is commonly defined as «to join» or «to attach», many scholars have posited that in fact the paramount definition comes from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (1:2, chitta vritti nirodhah): «The cessation of
the fluctuations of the mind.»
According to the Yoga Sutra, yoga is citta vritti nirodha; cessation of
the fluctuations of the mind.
Thus, in the second of the sutras on asana, Patanjali restates the core teaching he introduced earlier about how to still
the fluctuations of the mind and become absorbed in the infinite: effort and non-attachment.
Fluctuations of mind can be removed by Hatha Yoga practices like Trataka (concentration on a point or object) and pranayama.
Pranayama can reduce
the fluctuations of the mind (also called «Vrittis» in Sanskrit).
On the right, there's a quote from Patanjali's yoga sutras: «Yoga chitta vritti nirodha,» which translates to, «Yoga is the cessation of
the fluctuations of the mind.»
Observe them as
the fluctuations of mind patterns that they are.
To bring the vrittis, or
the fluctuations of the mind under control you must have stability found in a practice.
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes yoga as the practice of quieting
the fluctuations of the mind.
In fact, in the yoga tradition learning to control
the fluctuations of the mind is front and center, while breath and body work play a supportive role.
In cultivating dharana, we begin to still
the fluctuations of the mind, which is essential for meditation and is one of the primary aims of the entire yoga tradition.
Meditation is one of the core element of yogic practices as it helps to calm
the fluctuations of a mind so that it can rest in a state of tranquility.
~ Continuing to sit in the seat of your witness self, observe
the fluctuations of your mind, as thoughts rise and fall like ocean waves.
Yoga is a non-competitive personal practice, and it is defined in the Yoga Sutras as being «the calming of
the fluctuations of the mind.»
Notice if your mind is racing or if your yoga practice worked to calm
the fluctuations of the mind.
A regular yoga practice is scientifically proven to balance our modern - day lifestyle by reducing stress, slowing the aging process, and calming
the fluctuations of the mind.
~ Sitting in the seat of your witness self, begin to observe
the fluctuations of your mind, as thoughts rise and fall like ocean waves.
The Yoga Sutra says «Yoga is the cessation of
the fluctuations of the mind.»
So, while I began yoga for the workout, I continued my practice so I could maintain my inner peace, watch
the fluctuations of my mind, and surrender into the feeling of «emptiness» or «clarity» I receive in savasana.
To gain control of
the fluctuations of the mind, as set forth by Patajanli in The Yoga Sutras, you need to pay attention.
Instead, the practice is designed to naturally allow
the fluctuations of your mind to settle so to create more stillness.