It’s all in the mind. Our mind is the epicentre of our soul.
We interact with the universe with our thoughts. Even when we are asleep, our
mind is operating. The continuous flow of thoughts lead to two states of minds
i.e. peace or chaos. We feel chaotic and confused in few situations, whereas in
few, the mind is deeply calm and concentrated. When one practices Yoga or any
form of meditation, one can observe the mind shifting to a higher state.
Yoga classifies the mind into five shades, according to
Nyaya Bhasya.
1) Kshipta (Restless wandering)
It is a state of mind where the mind is like a pendulum. It
is unable to reach to a conclusion. One is anxious due to the restlessness of
the mind. Everything around appears unsettled and concentrating becomes
problematic. The attention is constantly shifting or fluctuating. Mind is not
steady. One experiences this state of mind because of collision of thoughts. In
this condition, one should try to avoid several chains of thoughts in the mind
and wait for the matter to come on the surface on its own. It is the lowest
state of the mind to be in.
2) Mudha (Infatuated, Forgetful)
One goes through this condition when one is extremely angry
or is experiencing series of emotions. It’s a kind of distraction that takes
birth because of attachment, hatred or greediness. The flow of energy in the
mind is blocked. The mind is dull and forgetful. One has to work on
de-cluttering and rebooting oneself.
3) Vikshipta (Distracted mind)
In this state, the mind is distracted, occasionally steady
but it’s easily drawn here and there. One is dealing with a compromised sense
of self. The mind is experiencing parallel and conflicting chain of thoughts.
Vacaspati Misra, an Indian philosopher who founded one of the main Advaita
Vedanta schools, says in his book “Tattva vaisaradi” that it’s a condition of
the mind brought by a disease, disinclination or gluttony.
This is one of the extremely negative conditions of the
mind. And one should not be dwelling in this mental state at all as it clogs
the mind and poisons the thought process with pessimism. The Vikshipta mind can
be easily influenced and manipulated. A person faces self-doubt, agony and fear
in this state where the internal and external worlds are constantly clashing.
One needs to take essential steps to purify this state of mind. Introspection
and knowledge of self are two sole factors that help the mind in the cleansing
process.
4) Ekagra (Focus, Knowledge)
Ekagra means that the mind has achieved one-pointed
concentration and the person is fully present in the moment, unaffected by any
external factors. Unlike in Vikshipta, concentration is not forced as it comes
effortlessly and naturally. In this state of mind, one can connect with their
higher spiritual self, as the mind is deeply focused and is able to choose the
peaceful path.
In this condition, one has thorough knowledge of reality and
has control over the mind and its’ string of thoughts. The mind is peaceful and
full of energy. It is on its desired spiritual path.
5) Niruddha (Final epiphany)
The Niruddha mind is in complete stillness and goes through
series of epiphanies. When the mind is mastered and regulated, it is devoid of
thought patterns. One learns to rise above the self and becomes spiritually
intelligent. It is the most desired state of mind. It is calm and still.
Thoughts are just like watching passers-by from the gallery. The breath is in
control and the mind is on its journey to explore its magnificence. This state
of mind is generally achieved through meditation and deep contemplation.
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