Our mind is a powerful tool. You can either get lost in the quagmire of thoughts, which is the quality of the mind, or you can pull the reins and take control of the mind.
As Osho said, “The mind is a beautiful servant, a dangerous master.”
By understanding the workings of the mind, you can observe the flow of thoughts and subsequently take steps to discipline the mind. An insight into the fluctuations of ‘Markata’ – the monkey mind – in Yoga, can help us to harness the power of the monkey mind, and to realise the hidden potentials of the mind.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on the Nature of the Mind
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” ~ Plutarch.
Maharshi Patanjali systematized and organized the techniques of Yoga in his work, the ‘Yoga Sutras’. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras comprises 195 sentences, where he gives methods of liberation, according to one’s capabilities, to overcome the pain of the material world.
One of his initial sutras, “Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodhah,” which means “Yoga is controlling the fluctuations of the mind.” He goes on to describe the types of mind and how to identify them.
Below are the five states of the mind according to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
1) Kshipta (Restless/ wandering)
It is a state of mind where the mind is like a pendulum, swaying from one side to the other, unable to conclude. The qualities of a Kshipta mind are constant craving for excitement, power, and authority. It wants to be praised and acknowledged. There is an insatiable need to remain in power.
This also leads to anxiety; everything around appears unsettled, because the attention is constantly fluctuating.
One experiences this state of mind due to the collision of thoughts. Through intense envy or malice, such a mind can be in a state of concentration for some time, but that is not the yogic kind of concentration. It is the lowest state of the mind to be in.
2) Mudha (Infatuated, Forgetful)
One goes through this condition when one is extremely angry or is experiencing series of emotions. It’s a kind of distraction that takes birth because of attachment, hatred or greediness. The flow of energy in the mind is blocked. The mind is dull and forgetful. One has to work on de-cluttering and rebooting oneself.
3) Vikshipta (Distracted mind)
In this state, the mind is distracted, occasionally steady but it’s easily drawn here and there. One is dealing with a compromised sense of self. The mind is experiencing parallel and conflicting chain of thoughts.
Vacaspati Misra, an Indian philosopher who founded one of the main Advaita Vedanta schools, says in his book “Tattva vaisaradi” that it’s a condition of the mind brought by a disease, disinclination or gluttony.
This is one of the extremely negative conditions of the mind. And one should not be dwelling in this mental state at all as it clogs the mind and poisons the thought process with pessimism. The Vikshipta mind can be easily influenced and manipulated. A person faces self-doubt, agony and fear in this state where the internal and external worlds are constantly clashing.
One needs to take essential steps to purify this state of mind. Introspection and knowledge of self are two sole factors that help the mind in the cleansing process.
4) Ekagra (Focus, One-pointed)
Ekagra means that the mind has achieved one-pointed concentration and the person is fully present in the moment, unaffected by any external factors. Unlike in Vikshipta, concentration is not forced as it comes effortlessly and naturally. In this state of mind, one can connect with their higher spiritual self, as the mind is deeply focused and is able to choose the peaceful path.
In this condition, one has thorough knowledge of reality and has control over the mind and its’ string of thoughts. The mind is peaceful and full of energy. It is on its desired spiritual path.
5) Niruddha (Final epiphany/ Arrested)
The Niruddha mind is in complete stillness and goes through series of epiphanies. When the mind is mastered and regulated, it is devoid of thought patterns. One learns to rise above the self and becomes spiritually intelligent. It is the most desired state of mind. It is calm and still. Thoughts are just like watching passers-by from the gallery.
The breath is in control and the mind is on its journey to explore its magnificence. This state of mind is generally achieved through meditation and deep contemplation.
To achieve the Niruddha state of mind, one must master the ability to control the flow of thoughts and overcome all the obstacles. Awareness of the state of mind can help to lead your way out of chaos. It’s in the stillness that you can feel your mind and knowing that you are completely alive through self-knowledge. Like the Buddha said, “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
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