“Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha, Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam” -Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2 & 1.3

Imagine living a life with a softer ego, detached from desires and untouched by fears—a life that transcends the dualities of success and failure, joy and sorrow. O! What a delight of simply being—complete, serene, and open. Such a life exudes peace, freedom, and an innate sense of oneness with all. It is also a state where one naturally embodies compassion, love, and profound wisdom—a life of true splendor. This is what Patanjali refers to in the sutra Tada drashtuh svarupe avasthanam, where the seer rests in their true nature.
To live that kind of sweet, serene life, Patanjali tells us we must cease the fluctuations of the mind. The mind, of course, is infamous for its monkey-like nature—floundering, faltering, and howling in anger or despair. But before we can quiet this restless mind, we must first understand its movements—what these fluctuations, or vrittis, truly are.
Understanding Vrittis
Patanjali outlines five types of mental fluctuations:
- Pramana (Right Knowledge): When the mind focuses on something true—what we experience directly, figure out logically, or learn from reliable sources.
- Viparyaya (Misunderstanding) : When we misinterpret things, like mistaking a rope for a snake in dim light.
- Vikalpa (Imagination): When the mind creates ideas or stories without any real basis, like daydreaming or making assumptions.
- Nidra (Sleep): The state of the mind during sleep, when it’s inactive but still holds impressions, such as dreams or complete blankness.
- Smriti (Memory): The ability of the mind to recall past experiences or impressions stored in memory.
By understanding how our mind tends to move or fluctuate, we take the first step toward mastering it and finding stillness- “Chitta Vritti Nirodha”
The Metro Incident: A Tale of Misinterpretation or Viparyaya
It was a usual busy evening on the metro, with the familiar hum of chatter and the shuffling of passengers eagerly awaiting their ride. Among the crowd was a young woman, dressed modestly, her face carrying the weariness of the day. She stood near the train doors as they opened, ready to step in and find a seat.
Suddenly, a group of lively teenage girls, brimming with youthful energy, surged forward. In their eagerness to grab the empty seats, one of the girls accidentally bumped into the young woman. It wasn’t intentional—just a rushed, thoughtless act. But to the stranger, it felt deeply personal. Her anger flared up as she turned to the group, her voice trembling with indignation.
“How dare you! Spoiled rich brats! No respect for others!” she exclaimed.
The girls exchanged quick, embarrassed glances but didn’t apologize. Instead, they giggled awkwardly, perhaps out of nervousness or simply to brush off the confrontation. Their laughter, however, added fuel to the stranger’s simmering rage.
As the train began its journey, the girls became immersed in their world, chatting, laughing, and recording silly videos of themselves. But the young woman couldn’t let go. When she noticed them holding up a phone, she assumed they were recording her. Her anger reignited like a flame catching dry wood.
“How dare you record me without my permission!” she yelled, her voice cutting through the hum of the train. The girls looked genuinely startled. “We weren’t recording you,” one of them replied, their tone almost pleading. But the damage was done.
The young woman, shaking with fury, moved to a seat farther away. She sat stiffly, glaring out of the window, her chest rising and falling with short, sharp breaths. But as the minutes passed, her anger gave way to silent tears. She cried quietly, wiping her face with the edge of her scarf, unable to calm the storm within.
Her journey ended a while later, but the effects of her distress lingered. As the train pulled away, I couldn’t help but wonder—what had really happened here? An unintentional push, a misinterpreted laugh, an assumed insult, and a spiral of pain that seemed far greater than the event itself.
How Often Does Viparyaya Mislead Us?
How often have our own minds indulged in Viparyaya? This misinterpretation of words, actions, or situations often leads to unnecessary emotional hurt, strained relationships, and mental agitation.
The Dim-Witted Mind and Its Toll on Well-Being
When the mind becomes dull, distracted, or overly attached to one of the vrittis, its ability to remain in a state of clarity and awareness diminishes. This lack of balance disrupts the natural flow of prana (vital life energy).
The importance of Prana Balance
Prana flows smoothly when the mind is calm and balanced. But stress or emotional disturbances disrupt this flow, affecting the five minor pranas: Udana, Samana, Vyana, Prana, and Apana. These control digestion, breathing, circulation, elimination, and communication. Any imbalance here weakens the digestive fire (Agni), preventing food from being metabolized efficiently. This leads to the formation of ama (undigested residue or biotoxins), which gradually ages, weakens, and depletes the body.
Addressing Viparyaya with Mindfulness
Byron Katie’s “The Work” and yoga:

Cultivating clarity, open communication, and mindfulness can help observe the mind’s tendencies without reacting impulsively. A powerful method for this is Byron Katie’s “The Work,” which addresses Viparyaya by dismantling false beliefs and misunderstandings. Her process involves four profound questions:
- Is it true? Pause and reflect: Is the thought you’re holding onto actually true or merely an assumption?
- Can you absolutely know that it’s true? Dig deeper: Is the belief universally and undeniably true?
- How do you react—what happens—when you believe that thought? Observe: How does the belief impact your emotions, body, and behavior?
- Who would you be without that thought? Imagine: How would your life feel if you no longer held onto the troubling thought?
The process concludes with a turnaround, where you reframe the thought to explore alternative perspectives, uncover deeper truths, or recognize your own role in the situation. And this understanding will help you manage emotional fluctuations.
Moving Toward Clarity and Balance
By practicing mindfulness and methods like Byron Katie’s “The Work,” we can address the vrittis of the mind, cultivate clarity, and restore harmony within ourselves. This process not only clears the mind of misconceptions but also positively impacts our prana, physical health, and overall well-being. Ultimately, it allows us to live with greater awareness, peace, and joy, free from the toxic cycles of false beliefs and emotional turbulence.
So, take a deep breath. Pause. Reflect. And begin the journey to quiet your mind and rest in your true nature.
How do you manage the fluctuations of your mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on yoga and mindfulness.