Chitta and Chitta Bhumis
27 Feb 2021 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Concept of Chitta and Chitta Bhumis
Patanjali Yoga Sutras are compiled as a system which gives an insight about how the human population can achieve the ultimate aim of life, “Moksha”. It deals with overcoming the pain of material world. A compilation of 195 Sutras divided into 4 chapters;
- Samadhi Pad
- Sadhana Pada
- Vibhuti Pada
- Kaivalya Pada.
CHITTA
Chitta means Mind, an integral organ that blends together the knowledge gathered by Senses and Pranas.Chitta comprises of 17 elements, Namely;
5 Jnanendriyas; These bring the knowledge related to sound, touch, light, taste and smell.
5 karmendriyas; These bring knowledge related to the movement of objects.
5 pranas; Perception of inertness of object is brought by Pranas.
Ego, and;
Manas.
Chitta Bhumis
Chitta means the state of mind; a condition in which a mind habitually is. There are 5 such habitual states of mind.
1. Ksipta- Also known as restless mind. This mind has neither the patience nor the necessary intelligence to comprehend super sensuous concept and subtler principles. When in intense envy, such a mind can be in a state of concentration for some time, but that is not referred as the yogic kind of concentration.
2. Mudha- Also known as Infatuated Mind. This mind is unable to understand subtler principles of life, it focuses more on gross principles like earthly possessions, money and power. Here, the concentration is entirely focused towards earning, living the life. Hence, they must have the power to concentrate but that is not the yogic concentration.
3. Viksipta- Also known as distracted mind. This mind is ideal mind for the study of yoga, can understand the spiritual dimensions and it is capable of making efforts towards it but the concentration does not last for long. With continuous efforts done in right direction, Sattva gradually prevails and student is able to experience Ekagrata or one pointedness.
4. Ekagra- Also know as a mind which is one pointed. This mind can hold on to any object for a long span of time, and can continue even in sleep or dream state. It can comprehend the knowledge from Bhutas to buddhi. Knowledge gained at this state is of true nature of things. With practice as Sattva establishes completely and effortlessly and mind gets prepared for Samprajnata Samadhi, a samadhi with an object in mind.
5. Nirudha- Also known as arrested mind. This mind is capable of being in Asamprajnata Samadhi, a samadhi without an object in mind and eventually achieves Moksha.