180. Nirvitarka Samadhi... letting it all go.

As we close the week, we turn to Yoga Sutra 1:43, exploring its profound teachings on the path to inner stillness and clarity. Drawing from How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, we consider their illustrative example of a desk. When we look at a desk, our mind engages with its name, its qualities, and the knowledge we associate with it. This process, known as savitarka (सवितर्क), involves retaining these layers of perception while profoundly concentrating on the object. Even in this state, the mind is partially influenced by the vrittis—the mental fluctuations clouding pure understanding.


However, as described in 1:43, when memory becomes purified, the mind is no longer tethered by these vrittis. The object’s true essence begins to shine through, unobstructed by preconceived notions or past impressions. This state of pure perception moves us closer to citta vritti nirodhah (चित्त वृत्ति निरोधः)—the cessation of mental fluctuations, the ultimate goal of yoga.


Practically, this teaching reminds us of the importance of letting go. Our minds often cling to preconceived ideas, judgments, or stories about the world and ourselves. These can act as energetic anchors, tying us to anger, regret, or unhelpful narratives from the past. To truly see something—or someone—we must learn to release these biases, allowing the present moment to reveal itself as it truly is.


This sutra promises a path through the vrittis, offering a way to move beyond these mental constructs. By quieting the noise of preconceived notions, we inch closer to answering the fundamental questions of life: Who am I? What is my purpose? These are not merely philosophical musings but guideposts on the spiritual journey. Yoga offers us the tools to navigate these questions, pointing us toward a life of clarity, purpose, and inner peace.