Patanjali distinguishes between citta (consciousness) and manas (mind). The mind can do various things, turning our consciousness to different states. Sometimes we think of the past. Sometimes we imagine a future. Sometimes we understand what is right in front of us. Sometimes we misunderstand what is right in front of us. Finally, sometimes we dream as we sleep.
If these are the five ways the consciousness can turn, that's pretty simple to keep track of, right? At any given time, we can pause and ask ourselves what we are doing. Past? Imagining? Understanding? Misunderstanding?
Once having identified what the mind is up to, we can choose whether we want to be using it in that way. Certainly the first three can be useful when needed. We need to remember the past to learn from our mistakes. We need to imagine futures so we can prepare creatively. And, we need to understand situations so that we can react appropriately.
As with so many of Patanjali's teachings, our time on the mat can be a chance to practice. Then, we are more likely to be aware during the other parts of our day.
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Or, as in my case, we can misunderstand the past and so not learn from our mistakes! Even what I think is right in front of me is probably more misunderstood past than anything truly in the present.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex! Thanks for your clear way of describing the 5 aspects of mind, and reminding me that we can choose to use them appropriately as well. When I first learned about this, I looked at it as some kind of problem--like it was a trap I had to ultimately escape. I'd felt the same way about the gunas too. Getting stuck or believing an aspect is the real me is the problem. Now, to identify when I'm stuck and when to take action that is hopefully skillful! xoxo
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