3. C. Chitta. Consciousness

Yoga Sutra 1.2 Yogas Chittas Vrtti Nirodha

BREAK IT DOWN
Chitta
To aim at, appeared thought, consciousness, heart-mind memory, visible reflection, perceptive processes

The chitta, heart-mind consciousness, or total-mind, is made up of 3 parts:

Buddhi - the discerning intuitive mind
Ahamkara - the egoic sense of individuation
Manas - the processor of input coming from the senses about what is going on around us



Chitta manifests itself in different forms: scattering, darkening, weaking, and concentration



Vrtti
distrubance, modifications, turnings, waves, whirlpool

The vrttis appear through the process of undifferentiated Prakriti becoming manifest as the diverse aspects of nature.  In Tantra and Vendanta, this may be described as consciousness coming into matter.  Modifications of consciousness happen when we forget our natural state, attached to the idea of being ourselves as individuals.


Nirodha
cessation, still, confine, prevention, remove, restrain

One of the four 'Noble Truths' of Buddhism - Ayam dukkha nirodha: 'The cessation of suffering'



PIECE IT TOGETHER
Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha
'Yoga will still the fluctuations in the heart-mind consciousness'
'The purpose of yoga is to prevent mind-stuff from taking various forms'
'Yoga calms the changing states of the mind'

When presently focused on the body and breath, the quiet strength of humanity's true nature can be unearthed from within.  A calm, alert and joyous center opens up.  Imagine an unparalleled concentration of keen loving kindness.  Imagine a world where people had a better understanding of themselves and their impact upon the collective.  Just imagine.