If you have been to my yoga workshops in Swansea or yoga courses in Carmarthenshire (and surrounding areas) you will have explored and experienced the concepts of citta vritti and samskaras. Because of it’s importance in understanding ourselves it is often the theme of yoga classes too.
In the rich tapestry of Yogic philosophy, both Citta Vritti (mental fluctuations) and Samskaras (mental impressions or behavioural loops) play intricate roles in shaping our experience of reality. Understanding their interplay is crucial to unraveling the knots that bind us and ultimately achieving liberation. I know this sounds fluffy but please bear with it…it’s important.
Citta Vritti: Imagine your mind as a vast, ever-changing lake. The ripples and waves on its surface represent the Citta Vritti – the constant flow of thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and desires. These fluctuations arise due to various internal and external stimuli, and in turn, shape our subjective reality.
Samskaras: Now, picture each passing wave leaving behind a subtle imprint on the lakebed. These imprints are the Samskaras, the unconscious residues of our past experiences, thoughts, and actions. They store information like habits, tendencies, and emotional patterns, influencing our future thoughts, behaviors, and reactions.
The Intertwined Dance:
- Citta Vritti creates Samskaras: Every experience we have, every thought we think, and every emotion we feel leaves its mark on the mind, like an inscription on the lakebed. These imprints become Samskaras, conditioning our future mental fluctuations.
- Samskaras reinforce Citta Vritti: Existing Samskaras act like magnets, attracting similar Citta Vritti. If you have a Samskara of anger, you’re more likely to be triggered by situations that evoke anger, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
The Cycle of Samsara:
This interplay between Citta Vritti and Samskaras creates the cycle of Samsara, the wheel of rebirth. Our past experiences shape our present mental fluctuations, which in turn lead to actions that create new experiences, further solidifying Samskaras, and the cycle continues. This cycle leads to suffering, as we become attached to impermanent mental formations and identify with them as our true selves.
Breaking Free:
The goal of Yoga, particularly meditation practices, is to break free from this cycle. By observing Citta Vritti without judgment and attachment, we can weaken their hold on us. Through various techniques, we can also work on transforming Samskaras, replacing negative imprints with positive ones. This leads to a quieting of the mind, a lessening of suffering, and ultimately, the realization of our true nature beyond the fluctuations of the mind.
Remember:
- This is a simplified explanation, and different Yogic schools offer varying interpretations. If you’re interested in learning about yourself you are always welcome at my yoga classes in Ammanford, Swansea, Penllegaer and Garnswllt. I also run yoga workshops in Swansea and Carmarthenshire and regular yoga courses.
By understanding the dance between Citta Vritti and Samskaras, we embark on the path of self-discovery and liberation, untangling the knots of our mind and awakening to the boundless potential within.
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Yoga Class Schedule
Monday 10am, Glanaman
Cwmaman Community Centre
Glanaman, Ammanford
Saturday 11am, Penllergaer
Caffi Nini, RSPCA Llys Nini
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Saturday 1.30pm, Garnswllt
Garnswllt Welfare Hall
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