I often tell my yoga students that the most challenging part of practice isn’t the poses themselves, but simply making it onto the mat. Why? Because committing to something requires the right mindset, dedication, and effort.
So, how motivated are you on your yoga journey? Do you find it nearly impossible to show up on the mat every day? Do you often make excuses to skip practice or procrastinate? Good news: you’re not alone! Many of us experience this, and interestingly, it was the same even in ancient times.
The Five States of Mind (Chitta Bhumis)
The legendary Indian Sage Vyasa, in his commentary on Yoga Sutra 1.1, explains the five states of mind, or Chitta Bhumis. He introduced these states because understanding the fluctuating nature of our minds is crucial for studying and practicing yoga. By recognizing these different states, we can better prepare ourselves to approach yoga practice with a positive attitude, a growth mindset, and a focused mind. Ultimately, knowing your current state helps you gauge how ready you are to truly engage with your yoga journey.
1. Kṣipta: The Restless Mind
This is often called the “monkey mind” because the mind jumps from one thing to another like the monkey jumping up and down restlessly. The mind is highly agitated, restless, and scattered, influenced by a “Rajasic” quality (think: restless energy).
Example: You’re trying to read a book, but your phone keeps buzzing, your thoughts drift to dinner plans, and you’re still feeling unsettled from a recent conversation. You just can’t focus. This is the least ideal state for practicing yoga.
2. Mūḍha: The Dull Mind
Now, picture your mind as a foggy morning. Mūḍha is a dull, lethargic, and forgetful state. It’s characterized by a lack of clarity, sluggishness, and a tendency towards laziness or even daydreaming. This state is influenced by a “Tamasic” quality (think: inertia or heaviness).
Example: After staying up all night, you’re in a meeting but can’t follow what anyone is saying. Your mind is foggy, unmotivated, and you feel mentally sluggish. This fogginess can lead to confusion and block your progress.
3. Vikṣipta: The Occasionally Focused Mind
Have you ever experienced a burst of focus while working or studying, only to find your mind soon wandering? That fleeting moment of intense concentration is Vikṣipta. It refers to a mind that is still generally scattered and prone to distractions, but capable of occasional periods of focus. It’s a fluctuating state where you can be alert and concentrated, but these moments are often short-lived before the mind is pulled away again.
Example: You’re deeply engaged in a creative project, feeling a good flow, but then you get distracted by an email or a sudden craving for a snack. You return to your focus, then drift again. For many, yoga practice becomes more consistent in this state, as we learn to bring the mind back.
4. Ekāgra: The One-Pointed Mind
This is where the magic starts to happen! Ekāgra means “one-pointedness” or concentrated attention. It’s the ability to focus your mind on a single point without distraction. This state is influenced by a “Sattvic” quality (think: clarity and balance) and is essential for deeper meditation and spiritual practice.
Example: You’re so absorbed in painting, reading, or meditating that time seems to disappear. Your attention is steady, effortless, and unified. This is the state that yoga helps us cultivate, leading to inner clarity and calm.
5. Niruddha: The Absorbed Mind
Niruddha is the deepest state of mind, where it becomes completely absorbed and still, moving towards a state of pure awareness. In this state, the mind is said to be in Samadhi.
Example: You’re in deep meditation, and there’s no sense of “you” doing anything. You are detached from cravings, thoughts, and even your sense of identity. The mind is absorbed, and you become a pure witness to consciousness itself. This is the ultimate goal of yoga and the path to Samadhi, the final limb of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga.
You’re Already on the Path
Since you’re engaged with this post, your mind is likely in the state of occasionally focused (Vikṣipta) or even one-pointed (Ekāgra). That’s something to celebrate! You’re already on the path to mastering your mind and shining a light in the midst of any inner darkness.
However, our mind do fluctuate day to day, moment to moment. if your mind tends to be agitated (Kṣipta) or dull (Mūḍha), it’s a great signal to consider adjusting your lifestyle. By cultivating more “Sattvic” qualities (like healthy habits, mindfulness, and peace), you’ll be better prepared to begin or deepen your yoga journey. This way, you can truly follow Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga method for controlling the mind and reaching those states of one-pointedness and deep concentration.
Which of these states resonates most with you today? Take a moment to reflect and write down your thoughts in your journal!
Key Takeaways
- Showing up is the hardest part – The biggest challenge in yoga isn’t the poses, but the mental commitment it takes to get on the mat.
- Ancient wisdom still applies – Sage Vyasa’s five states of mind (Chitta Bhumis) help us understand and work with the mind’s fluctuations in modern life and practice.
- The five states of mind:
- Kṣipta (Restless) – Distracted and unfocused; the least ideal state for yoga.
- Mūḍha (Dull) – Foggy, lethargic, and unmotivated; clarity is blocked.
- Vikṣipta (Occasionally Focused) – Some focus with frequent distraction; a common starting point for consistent yoga practice.
- Ekāgra (One-Pointed) – Clear and steady focus; the state yoga aims to cultivate.
- Niruddha (Absorbed) – Complete stillness and pure awareness; the goal of deep meditation and Samadhi.
- Kṣipta (Restless) – Distracted and unfocused; the least ideal state for yoga.
- Self-awareness is key – Recognizing your current mental state helps you approach yoga practice more effectively and compassionately.
- You’re already making progress – Engaging with this reflection means your mind is likely in a focused or semi-focused state—an encouraging sign that you’re already on the path.
Reference
- Satchidananda, Swami, editor. The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Translated by Swami Satchidananda, Integral Yoga Publications, 2012.
- Bryant, Edwin F. The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary. Edited by Edwin F. Bryant, translated by Edwin F. Bryant, North Point Press, 2009.
- Prasada, Rama. Patanjali`S Yoga Sutras. Translated by Rama Prasada, Laurier Books, Limited, 2000.