5 States of Mind

All states of mind originate from the Chitta, or pure mental substance, that we are born with and commonly refer to as consciousness. ‘Chitta’ is the mind. This Chitta is impacted by thought waves of the Vritti’s (fluctuations) that alter that matter as a means of evolving it from one state to another. In yogic language, The 5 different states of mind that we frequently bounce between are called ‘Chittis’. Understand, mind states and the functions of the mind are distinctly different. For now, we explore common states of mind and what that means for our experience in each moment. 

The Chittis = 5 States of Mind

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali refers to yoga as “chitta-vritti-nirodha”. Fundamentally, this describes yoga (a group of practices) as a means to quiet the fluctuations of the mind. In application, we do that through asana, breathwork, commitment to ethical standards, and more. Personally, I feel that students benefit from understanding what yoga views as common fluctuations of the mind, in order to better connect with themselves and their practice.  As you read, play around and see if you can sink into each mindstate as it is described.

  1. Ksipta

    • The mind in its lowest state. Distracted.
      • The first mind state describes total disconnection. In this state, we vibrate at a low frequency and lack connection and awareness.

  2. Mudha

    • Dull and listless mindstate.
      • This second mind state is one of lower vibration as well. It can be described as one of apathy, disconnection, and dullness.

  3. Viksipta

    • A state of partial concentration and confusion.
      • In the third mind state, we are beginning to ‘come online’. For example, as vibrations rise, connection and awareness are present but are often accompanied by overwhelm.
      • Here, in this state, we are without the ability to calm and commit.

  4. Ekagra

    • A state of relaxation. Ready to meet a 1-pointed focus.
      • When we enter the fourth mind state, we have become grounded.
      • It is likely that our energy is higher, the mind is clearer, and we become capable of true concentration.

  5. Nirodha

    • The mind is under control. Fully absorbed and/or engaged in something.

Inner-work

Life operates in layers, and so do we. In yoga, we work with all 5 states of mind with the understanding that none is more important than the rest. Our job is to simply notice the mind state. None are inherently good or bad; they simply are. When we can accept our experience of different mental states and the different situations in which each manifests, we can notice what we need to notice. In essence, bearing witness to our various states of mind allows us to recognize the impermanence of each. Instead of getting frustrated or distraught with any particular state, we identify, acknowledge, and work with what’s ours at the moment.

 

Now, let all of that go.

For today, take what you need and leave the rest.

Now, is all that there is.

Therefore, all you need to sink into is this, right here.

You are exactly where you need to be. Let that soak in and fill you up.

You’re incredible. 

 

Stay Connected. 

Be well.

Namaste.

Stop Overthinking and Find Peace

116 Comments

  2. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to publish more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but generally people don’t talk about these issues. To the next! Best wishes!!

  3. custom essay help j34krw colleges that require essays for admission e49evo how to write an application essay for college k43plt

  4. There’s certainly a great deal to learn about this issue. I love all the points you made.

  5. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS. I donít know why I can’t join it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  7. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievementyou access consistently fast.

  18. I appreciate, lead to I discovered exactly what I was taking a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  19. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’tshow up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  21. I favored your idea there, I tell you blogs are so helpful sometimes like looking into people’s private life’s and work.At times this world has too much information to grasp. Every new comment wonderful in its own right.

  24. Very nice info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks 🙂

  28. Outstanding post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thanks!

  29. I do not even know how I finished up right here, but I assumed this post used to be good.I don’t recognise who you are but certainly you are going to a famous bloggerin case you aren’t already. Cheers!

  31. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems withhackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no backup.Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  33. I cannot thank you enough for the blog article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.

  36. whoah this blog is magnificent i like studying your articles. Stay up the good work! You realize, many individuals are searching around for this info, you could aid them greatly.

  38. whoah this blog is wonderful i like reading your articles. Stay up the great work! You already know, many individuals are looking round for this info, you could aid them greatly.

  39. Great post but I was wanting to know if you could write alitte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful ifyou could elaborate a little bit more. Cheers!

  40. Excellent way of explaining, and fastidious article to take information on the topic of my presentation subject matter,which i am going to convey in academy.

  41. Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that produce the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

  42. Im grateful for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

  50. I am so grateful for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

  57. I am continuously browsing online for articles that can facilitate me. Thanks!

  60. Asking questions are really nice thing if you are not understanding something completely,however this piece of writing offers good understanding yet.

  61. It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writingas well as from our dialogue made at this time.

  63. A motivating discussion is worth comment.I do think that you ought to publish more on this topic, it may not bea taboo matter but generally folks don’t talk about such issues.To the next! Many thanks!!

  64. None of the employees of Wonton Meals played these numbers at the time, the closest game member was Connecticut.

  65. Thanks for finally talking about > Conquering the Fear Period –Fun With Fido’s All Things Dog Blog

  66. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

  67. Great info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  73. I cannot thank you enough for the blog article.Thanks Again. Will read on…

  74. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.

  75. Thanks for another magnificent article. The place else may just anyone get that kind of information in suchan ideal way of writing? I have a presentation nextweek, and I am on the search for such information.

  81. Aw, this was a really good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  82. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more.

  83. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing throughsome of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless,I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  84. Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I’ll send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  85. Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?

  86. Thanks for sharing such a good opinion, paragraph is fastidious, thats why i have read it completely

  89. Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  97. Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

  98. Ahaa, its pleasant discussion regarding this post here at thisblog, I have read all that, so at this timeme also commenting at this place.

  101. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem toget there! Cheers

  103. Hello, I would like to subscribe for this blog toget most up-to-date updates, therefore where can i do it please help out.

  104. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great work, have a nice afternoon!

  105. Thank you ever so for you post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.

  106. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a really good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  109. excellent publish, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

  115. bu tarz bilgi ve makaleler hosnut geliyor bizlere konu hakkında bizlere destek sagladıgınız için teşekkürler.Loading…

Leave a Reply

Or

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *