Abstracts Accepted

Concept of Citta in Patanjala Yoga

R. S. Khalkar*

Abstract 

            Patanjali was a great philosopher and psychologist from ancient India. He wrote a ‘Magnum Opus’ on the science of Yoga in the form of aphorisms or sutras. And therefore, it is known as Yoga Sutras. This is the most systematic work on the philosophy of Citta. Yoga is one of the six schools of Indian philosophy. It is a ‘Darsana’which literally means both ‘vision’ and ‘mirror’.
            Patangali Yoga is the most scientific process of controlling the Citta in order to rise higher and higher on the scale of consciousness and attain the state of super consciousness (Samadhi). This process consists of eight stages and therefore it is known as ‘Astanga Yoga’.
            The concept of Citta is central in Patanjala Yoga. The Sage Patanjali defines Yoga as the restraint of fluctuations in the Citta (Yogascittavrttinirodhah). The Citta is consciousness that gets manifested in the seven sheaths (Kosas) of consciousness such as physical, physiological, psychological, intellectual, joy, consciousness, and soul.
            Fluctuations of Citta are termed as Vrttis. It is necessary to control these fluctuations in order to develop the most matured or ripe Citta from the emerging Citta through the states like restrained, sprouted, calm, attentive and fissured Citta.
Fluctuations of the Citta are controlled through repeated practice and asceticism. Ultimately, the seeker attains the state of Samaadhi. Thus, Patanjala Yoga is the most systematic process of restraining the fluctuations of Citta that leads to the state of Samadhi and finally Kaivalya, a state of fullness of soul.
Keywords – 
Patanjali Yoga; Citta, Vrtti, Nirodhah; Ashtanga; Yama; Niyama; Asana; Pranayama; Pratyahara; Dharana; Dhyana; Samadhi; Kosa; Mana; Buddhi; Ahankara; Atma; Kaivalya.
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*PhD.
K.V. Pendharkar College, Dombivli (E) – Thane Maharashtra, India 421203.
Email: agandhi@ucla.edu

1ST Workshop accepted MBC.