Day 28: Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yogas Citta Vritti Nirodha
Stilling the Fluctuations of the Mind: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Calm
Today, someone complimented me and said, “You’re so calm. I’m so hyper and all over the place. But I love spending time with calm people because it helps me become more calm as I start to match their energy.”
I’ve been reflecting on that comment ever since. I told her, “I never used to be this way. It’s all practice.”
She seemed stunned by this—that I am not innately calm, and that I actually gained it as a skillset.
I think I used to believe the same thing, too. I thought that calmness was innate within some people, that they were born with it. I thought calmness was something fixed within us that can’t be changed. You’re either calm or you’re not.
Now I understand that calmness is something within me that I cultivate each day.
I cultivate it by prioritizing my meditation practice each morning. I cultivate it by being active. I cultivate it by doing work on myself and self-reflecting in meetings, in therapy sessions, and in coaching sessions. I cultivate it through reading. I cultivate it through applying yoga philosophy skills to my life.
The outer calmness that I project is also a reflection of my inner state. And regulating the inner state, or the nervous system, is the entire goal of yoga.
The phrase "yogas citta vritti nirodha" is Yoga Sutra 1.2 and is often translated as:
"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."
It took me years to understand that what Patanjali is essentially saying is that yoga is, and always was, about mental health. It’s not about headstands or handstands or doing the splits. It’s about cultivating a mental state where you are well. When you’re mentally well, you contribute to the world and operate with a sense of peace, equanimity, calmness, and ease. You make positive community contributions when you’re well.
Breaking Down Yoga Sutra 1.2
Key Terms:
Yoga – Union or integration of the self, aligning with higher consciousness.
Citta – The mind-stuff or consciousness, which includes thoughts, emotions, memories, and perceptions.
Vritti – Mental modifications, fluctuations, or patterns of thought.
Nirodha – Restraint, control, or stilling.
Meaning: This sutra defines the purpose of yoga: to quiet the mind and bring it to a state of stillness and clarity. When the mind is free of constant fluctuations (vrittis), we can experience our true nature, often described as peaceful, steady, and connected to universal consciousness. In simpler terms, yoga is about mastering the mind so that we are no longer overwhelmed by distractions, emotional turbulence, or inner chatter. When we achieve this, we can live with greater presence, focus, and self-awareness.
Connections to the Bhagavad Gita and Buddha Dharma
The Bhagavad Gita complements this teaching by emphasizing that equanimity of the mind is the key to spiritual growth and self-realization. Krishna tells Arjuna, "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self" (Bhagavad Gita 6.20-23). In this passage, Krishna explains that the state of yoga is reached when the mind is unwavering, like a steady flame in a windless place. This image resonates with Patanjali's concept of nirodha, the stilling of the mind.
Similarly, in Buddha Dharma, the teachings of mindfulness and meditation focus on observing and calming the mind. The Buddha taught that suffering (dukkha) arises from attachment and aversion, both of which are fueled by the fluctuations of the mind. Practices like vipassana (insight meditation) align closely with "yogas citta vritti nirodha" as they help practitioners transcend mental chatter and achieve liberation from suffering.
Modern Mental Health and Yoga Philosophy
From a modern mental health perspective, Yoga Sutra 1.2 highlights the importance of practices that promote emotional regulation and mental clarity. Research shows that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork—core components of yoga—can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These practices align with what Patanjali prescribed thousands of years ago: a roadmap for calming the mind and improving well-being.
In a world dominated by distractions and stress, the ability to quiet the mind is more critical than ever. Yoga offers tools to navigate these challenges, reminding us that calmness and clarity are cultivated through consistent practice.
Practical Application
To practice "yogas citta vritti nirodha," you can:
Meditate regularly to observe and calm your thoughts. I practice Vedic Meditation twice a day.
Use pranayama (breathwork) to regulate the nervous system and center your mind.
Reflect on the yamas and niyamas to align your actions and values.
Practice asana (physical postures) to prepare your body for deeper mental stillness.
Why It Matters to Me
For sobriety: As someone on a sober journey, this sutra resonates deeply. Stillness of the mind helps me navigate cravings, emotional upheaval, and habits that no longer serve me.
For mental health: By calming the fluctuations of the mind, yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns.
For self-realization: When the mind is quiet, I can see myself clearly, understand my true nature, and align with my dharma.
Upcoming Online Courses
Bhagavad Gita Studies
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges with grace and purpose. This program is designed to make the Gita’s teachings accessible, relatable, and transformative.
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Pranayama & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training
This 100-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training focuses on pranayama and meditation techniques, particularly for mental health. By the end of the training, you’ll have a solid foundation to lead these practices with confidence.
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Yoga Sutra Study Masterclass
Dive into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and explore the spiritual roadmap they provide for self-discovery and liberation.
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Learning to cease the fluctuations of the mind is a lifelong practice. Let’s explore this path together.