yogasutra 1.2 - ashtangamarga.com

Samadhi Pada • sutra 2

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥१.२॥ yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ ॥1.2॥
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Word by Word Translation

योगः (yogaḥ) – yoga, union, discipline, spiritual practice
चित्त (citta) – mind
वृत्ति (vṛtti) – fluctuations
निरोधः (nirodhaḥ) – cessation, control or restriction

Commentary
This sutra encapsulates the essence of yoga: learning to manage the fluctuations of the mind. It does not mean stopping or eliminating thoughts but observing them without being overwhelmed. The mind finds its natural quiet, similar to when the water of a lake calms, revealing the bottom. It is a return to our most authentic state, characterized by calm and focus.

The second sutra offers valuable guidance for exploring the complexities of our mind. When we talk about “controlling fluctuations,” we refer to an essential aspect of our daily lives. Mental fluctuations, often fueled by emotions, thoughts, and external stimuli, influence our mental state, diverting us from our true essence. With the practice of yoga, we learn to observe these movements with detachment, discovering that we are not defined by our thoughts.

This awareness brings a new freedom: we learn to respond with calmness and clarity rather than impulsively reacting. Meditation and yoga are valuable tools for quieting the mental “chatter,” leading us to a state of centeredness and serenity. It is important to emphasize that “control” does not mean repression but rather creating space for what truly matters: presence, love, and connection with ourselves and others. When the mind calms, we access a deeper understanding of who we are and the world around us.

Finally, this sutra reminds us that yoga is a continuous journey. Every moment of awareness brings us closer to inner freedom and personal growth. “Nirodhaḥ” is not just the suspension of mental flow; it is the balance between observation and acceptance, guiding us toward authentic mastery of the mind and life.

Daily Mindful Bites
For today, try to perceive your mind as a calm lake. Every time a thought or emotion disturbs this peace, observe the movement without reacting and imagine the wave slowly dissolving. Whether you are at work, on the move, or meditating, try to notice these small moments of turbulence and allow them to return to stillness.

If you feel the mind is particularly agitated, take a deep breath and let the wave settle (if you’re familiar with it, practice Ujjayi pranayama), reminding yourself that even the smallest calm achieved is a step in the path of mindfulness.

Insights Behind the Words – Did You Know…?

Importance of the Mind: The term “citta” is central in the context of yoga, as the mind is seen as the key to liberation and understanding.
In Sanskrit, “citta” is not limited to the rational mind but also encompasses the unconscious and emotions. Derived from the root “cit,” which is related to the ability to “perceive,” “citta” carries a broader meaning than the Western concept of the “mind,” and, in Indian philosophy, it also includes consciousness and the heart.

Concept of Vṛtti: The word “vṛtti” implies movement or flow, referring to the modifications of the mind, similar to waves rising and falling in the ocean. The practice of yoga aims to stabilize these fluctuations. Derived from the root “वृत्” (vṛt), meaning “to turn,” “to move,” or “to rotate,” the term “vṛtti” suggests a circular movement and indicates how the mind constantly reprocesses thoughts and perceptions. In this context, “vṛtti” represent the changes of the mind—thoughts, emotions, and perceptions—that arise and dissolve continuously.

Nirodhaḥ as Active Practice: “Nirodhaḥ” does not simply represent an absence of activity, but rather implies an active practice of control and focus. This process requires continuous observation and intervention in one’s mental life. The use of the term “nirodha” suggests that the cessation of mental fluctuations is not forced repression but a natural halt, a return to stillness. Derived from the root रुध् (rudh), meaning “to block” or “to arrest,” with the prefix नि (ni) intensifying the idea of stopping, “Nirodhaḥ” goes beyond suppression; it represents a mindful control of mental fluctuations.

Reflection on Context: The sutra invites us to reflect on the context of our existence. Mental fluctuations can be interpreted as reactions to our environments and relationships, and understanding these reactions is fundamental to the yogic practice.

In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, we can also draw a parallel between “vṛtti” and unnecessary movements in our practice. The execution of the asanas occurs in a linear way, with natural efficiency and optimization of movements. Just as mental fluctuations can distract us from our true essence, extraneous physical movements can lead to a less effective and misaligned practice. The asana, in its essence, should embody a sense of linearity and stability, reflecting the principle of “sthiraḥ sukham āsanam” — the balance between stability and ease — as we will see in Sutra 2.46.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Samadhi Pada • sutra 2