Controlling Vritti-s (modifications) of mind

|योगस्चित्त व्रुत्ति निरोधह ||
| Yogaschitta vritti nirodhaha ||

- ‘Cessation of the modifications of the Vritti-s (mind stuff) is Yoga’
  -- Chapter I/ Verse 2, ‘Yoga Darshana’

This is how Sage Pathanjali defines Yoga. Hence it follows that employment of Yogic practices with a Yogic lifestyle based on Brahmacharya will lead to ‘Yoga’ or the cessation of the modifications of the mind. The results which accrue further to annulling the modifications of ‘Chitta' (the mind stuff) has been explained in the next verse,

| तदा द्रस्टुहु स्वरुपे अवस्थानं ||
| Tada drastuhu svarupe avasthânam ||

- ‘Then the seer is established in itself’
  -- Chapter I/ Verse 3, ‘Yoga Darshana’

When there is complete cessation of the ‘Vritti-s’ (modifications) of the mind, then the ‘seer’ (pure consciousness or Atman) experiences his own, true nature. He becomes anchored or established in his own self. In the state of the mind filled with ‘Virtti-s‘, the Atman cannot experience his true nature, though the Atman is always pure consciousness. Such a state of cessation of modifications of the mind stuff occurs while in ‘Samadhi’ (super-consciousness) and are retained forever after ‘Kaivalya’ (self-realization).

How does one control these Vritti-s?

| अभ्यास वैराग्याभ्याम तन्निरोधह ||
| Abhyâsa vairâgyabhyâm tannirodhaha||

-‘Their (Vritti's) cessation is brought about through ‘practice’ and ‘dispassion’.
   -- Chapter I/ Verse 12, ‘Yoga Darshana’

The word ‘Abhyâsa’ (practice) here refers to all those activities that are indulged in to perfect a life of Yoga. These include the entire chain from Yama-Niyama-s to Samadhi. They also include aspects of lifestyle such as waking up early, correct type of food, clean habits etc...

The word ‘Vairagya’ refers to developing dispassion to the world and its objects .The offerings and activities of the world do not do anything more than tickle the 'Indriya-s' (sense organs). This appears pleasurable at the start but ends in pain. Hence the Yogi develops dispassion as regards these, for they are an effect of ‘Maya’ (illusion) and not real. Thus the control of Vritti-s is achievable when an honest and sincere life of Yoga and Brahmacharya is applied. This is why one should aim for Samadhi and self-realization. With such a lifestyle, the 'Avidya' (ignorance surrounding the Atman, which is the cause of Vritti-s) gradually dissolves, leading to a state free from Vritti-s in course of time, resulting in Kaivalya (self-realization).

If carried out correctly, the aspirant, even if he be of a weak mind eventually becomes strong minded and fit to derive the benefits of Yoga by the grace of God. Hence one should strive to be a Yogi.

ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)