
06/02/2025
“Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodhah” (योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः) is one of the most fundamental and profound teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (1.2). It translates to:
“Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.”
Explanation:
Yoga (योग) – More than just physical postures, yoga is a practice aimed at achieving inner peace and self-realization.
Chitta (चित्त) – The mind in its entirety, including thoughts, emotions, and memories.
Vritti (वृत्ति) – The mental activities, thought patterns, or fluctuations that constantly arise.
Nirodhah (निरोधः) – The restraint, stilling, or quieting of these fluctuations.
Meaning & Importance:
This sutra captures the essence of yoga—it’s not just about movement but about calming the restless mind. Our thoughts, emotions, and distractions create waves in the mind (like ripples in water). Through yoga (asana, breathwork, meditation, and ethical living), we learn to quiet these waves, allowing for deeper awareness, clarity, and inner peace.
This is why we practice yoga—not just for flexibility or strength, but for mental and spiritual balance. When the mind becomes still, we experience our true nature: a state of deep awareness and connection. 💙✨