In the second sutra, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali continue with an unexpected definition of yoga:
“Yogaś citta vrtti nirodhah.”
(Pronounced: Yo-gash chit-ah vrit-tee na-ro-dah-hah)
One translation of this:
Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yogah/Yogas = Yoga
Citta = the mind
Vrtti = fluctuations
Nirodhah = restraint, cessation, stilling
In his translation, Sri Swami Satchidananda says, "For a keen student, this one sutra would be enough because the rest of them only explain this one."
Our minds are constantly moving. Thoughts, worries, plans, judgements, and memories bounce around like pinballs. Patanjali calls these movements vrtti, or mental fluctuations. Yoga, in its essence, is the practice of calming those waves so we can experience clarity, peace, and presence.
While asana (physical poses) is one path to the state of yoga, Sutra 1.2 reminds us that the ultimate goal isn't flexibility or strength; it's stillness of the mind. When we align breath and movement or sit in quiet meditation, we begin to steady the restless currents of thought.
Over time, this stillness allows us to:
“Yogaś citta vrtti nirodhah.”
(Pronounced: Yo-gash chit-ah vrit-tee na-ro-dah-hah)
One translation of this:
Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yogah/Yogas = Yoga
Citta = the mind
Vrtti = fluctuations
Nirodhah = restraint, cessation, stilling
In his translation, Sri Swami Satchidananda says, "For a keen student, this one sutra would be enough because the rest of them only explain this one."
Our minds are constantly moving. Thoughts, worries, plans, judgements, and memories bounce around like pinballs. Patanjali calls these movements vrtti, or mental fluctuations. Yoga, in its essence, is the practice of calming those waves so we can experience clarity, peace, and presence.
While asana (physical poses) is one path to the state of yoga, Sutra 1.2 reminds us that the ultimate goal isn't flexibility or strength; it's stillness of the mind. When we align breath and movement or sit in quiet meditation, we begin to steady the restless currents of thought.
Over time, this stillness allows us to:
- See situations, and ourselves, with greater clarity
- Respond rather than react
- Feel more connected to our inner wisdom
- Experience a sense of peace that isn’t dependent on outer circumstances
- On the mat: Notice your breath. Each time your mind drifts, gently return to sensation.
- In daily life: When caught in worry or distraction, pause. Take three conscious breaths before moving forward.
- In meditation: Sit comfortably, let thoughts arise without judgment, and simply return to the breath or a chosen mantra.
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