Patanjali Yogasutra 2.11
(Meditation)
ध्यानहेयास्तद्वृत्तयः ।
"The fluctuations of the mind (vrittis) are eliminated through meditation."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the power of meditation (dhyana) in controlling the mind's fluctuations (vrittis) The term "vrittis" refers to the various modifications, disturbances, or activities of the mind that distract one from achieving a state of stillness and clarity. Patanjali asserts that these mental disturbances can be effectively reduced or even eliminated through the practice of meditation, which involves focused attention and awareness.
Meditation acts as a tool for cultivating mental discipline and concentration. By engaging in regular meditative practices, one can develop a deeper awareness of the mind's activities and gradually gain control over them. This process allows for the quieting of the mental chatter and the establishment of Inner Peace. The ultimate goal of this practice is to reach a state of Pure Awareness, where the mind is free from distractions and fully aligned with one's true nature.
The importance of meditation in achieving mental tranquility is a central theme in many spiritual traditions. Patanjali's emphasis on dhyana as a means to manage the vrittis underscores its significance in the journey towards Self-Realization. Through consistent practice, individuals can transcend the limitations imposed by the fluctuating mind and experience a state of inner harmony and enlightenment.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"Meditation is one of the great means of controlling the rising of these big waves. By meditation you can make the mind subdue these waves, and, if you go on practising meditation for days, and months, and years, until it has become a habit, until it will come in spite of yourself, anger and hatred will be controlled and checked."
Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 6.35
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥६.३५॥
"The mind is restless, no doubt, and difficult to restrain, but it can be controlled through practice and detachment, O son of Kunti."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita highlights the restless nature of the mind and affirms that it can be controlled through consistent practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya). Similar to Patanjali's assertion that meditation can eliminate mental fluctuations, this verse suggests that disciplined practice and dispassion are essential for mastering the mind.
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.8
परिक्ष्य लोकान् कर्मचितान् ब्राह्मणो निर्वेदमायान्नास्त्यकृतः कृतेन।
तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत् समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम्॥ २.२.८॥
"Having examined the worlds that are gained by actions, a Brahmana should develop dispassion. To know that (Brahman), he should go, with sacrificial fuel in hand, to a teacher who is learned and established in Brahman."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad advises the seeker to develop dispassion after realizing the impermanent nature of the material world. It aligns with Patanjali's teaching that mental disturbances can be overcome through spiritual practice. Here, the practice involves seeking Knowledge from a Guru and understanding the Ultimate Reality, which indirectly aids in controlling the mind's fluctuations.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.33
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥ ६.१.३३॥
"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation for human beings. A mind attached to sense objects leads to bondage, while a mind detached from sense objects leads to liberation."
In this verse from the Yoga Vashishta, it is emphasized that the mind is the root cause of both bondage and liberation. Attachment to sensory experiences binds the mind, whereas detachment leads to freedom. This concept is in harmony with Patanjali's teaching that through meditation, one can overcome mental disturbances and achieve a state of liberation by controlling the mind's attachments and distractions.
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