Concept
Citta-bhūmi
state of mind
Other spellings of citta-bhūmi
- citta-bhumi
- Chittabhumis
Maharishi Patanjali outlines five progressive states of mind, known as chittabhumis, which chart the path toward a yogic and spiritually awakened consciousness.
yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ ‖ 1.2 ‖
Meaning Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Chitta) from taking various forms (Vrittis).
व्याधिस्त्यानसंशयप्रमादालस्याविरति-भ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानिचित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तरायाः ॥ १.३० ॥
vyādhistyānasaṃśayapramādālasyāvirati-bhrāntidarśanālabdhabhūmikatvānavasthitatvānicittavikṣepāste’ntarāyāḥ ‖ 1.30 ‖
Meaning The obstacles of Samadhi are the results of distractions of the mind caused by the disease, dullness, doubt, negligence, sloth, over-indulgence, imaginary ideation, inability to reach the milestone and instability.
What are the States of Mind?
Maharishi Patanjali outlines five progressive states of mind, known as chittabhumis, which chart the path toward a yogic and spiritually awakened consciousness. These states—Kshipta, Mudha, Vikshipta, Ekagra, and Niruddha—represent varying levels of mental discipline and awareness, ranging from restless distraction to profound inner stillness (Sharma et al., 2024). Beginning with the agitated and unfocused Kshipta, shaped by Rajas guna, and the lethargic Mudha, governed by Tamas guna, the mind gradually evolves through Vikshipta, a temporarily stable state infused with Sattva guna. With continued yogic discipline, one reaches Ekagra, a state of one-pointed concentration and conscious awareness, ultimately culminating in Niruddha—a state of complete mental restraint and transcendence. Recognizing and transcending these states through sustained yogic practice enables the practitioner to quiet the fluctuations of the mind (chittavrittis), attaining inner peace, self-realization, and a supra-conscious state.
States of Mind according to Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Maharishi Patanjali, in the Yoga Sūtras, identifies five distinct states of the mind, known as Chittabhumis, each reflecting a specific degree of mental discipline and spiritual readiness. These stages—Mūḍha, Kṣipta, Vikṣipta, Ekāgra, and Niruddha—offer a progressive path toward samādhi and self-realization (Krishnappa et al, 2020).
Mūḍha(Forgetful)
Link to MūḍhaDominated by tamas guna, the mūḍha state is characterized by mental darkness, inertia, and confusion. The mind is clouded by ignorance, lacks discernment, and is unable to respond to stimuli with clarity or intention (Tomar, 2024). It is associated with lethargy, sadness, and a deep lack of motivation. As Prabhavananda (1977) emphasizes, individuals in this state are disconnected from higher consciousness and require disciplined yogic practices to begin their ascent toward mental clarity (Krishnappa et al., 2020).
Kṣipta(Fickle minded)
Link to KṣiptaThe kṣipta mind is governed by rajas guna, marked by agitation, impulsivity, and a lack of focus. Constantly pulled by sensory desires and emotional turbulence, it flits from one thought to another without any sense of direction. Vivekananda (1950) likens this state to a “monkey mind” that resists discipline. It is unsuitable for meditative practice and reflects the typical mental state in fast-paced modern lifestyles (Krishnappa et al., 2020).
Vikṣipta(Distracted)
Link to VikṣiptaIn the vikṣipta state, sattva guna begins to emerge, allowing for intermittent periods of clarity, calm, and focused awareness. Though the mind is still prone to distraction, it is capable of contemplation and engagement with higher truths. This state serves as a bridge between lower, uncontrolled mental states and higher, yogically prepared ones. With regular practice, individuals can strengthen sattva and progress toward one-pointed focus (Tomar, 2024).
Ekāgra(Focused)
Link to EkāgraThe ekāgra mind exhibits sustained concentration and mental stillness, essential for deep meditative absorption. It reflects the dominance of sattva guna and indicates a mind that is fully directed toward a single object of contemplation. As defined by Patanjali (Yoga Sūtra III.1), “Deśa-bandhaḥ cittasya dhāraṇā”, it is the first stage of samādhi. Vivekananda (1976) highlights this state as the mark of a disciplined yogi moving closer to enlightenment (Krishnappa et al., 2020).
Niruddha(Restrained)
Link to NiruddhaThe final and most refined state, niruddha, represents the complete cessation of all mental fluctuations (cittavṛttinirodhaḥ, PYS I.2). In this state, the mind becomes perfectly still, free from ego, desire, and sensory impressions. It no longer serves as an active agent but merges with puruṣha, the pure consciousness. This state of mental silence leads to kaivalya (liberation), the ultimate goal of Yoga (Tomar, 2024).
ComparisonComparative of states of mind in Western and Indian philosophies (Krishnappa et al., 2020; Prabhu & Bhat, 2013)
| Aspect | Indian Perspective | Western perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Mind | Instrument for reflecting consciousness (manas) | Conscious agent of thought and behaviour |
| Core concepts | Ātman, Puruṣa, Guṇas, Citta, Buddhi, Ahaṃkāra | Mind–body dualism, unconscious mind, ego structure |
| Mind-body relationship | Mind and body as material; self is distinct | Mind-body dualism (Descartes); interaction problem |
| Role of emotions | Seen as disturbances of the mind to be transcended | Explored as core aspects of behavior and motivation |
| Purpose of knowledge | To transcend and realize the Self (Brahman) | To understand and improve mental functioning |
| Ultimate goal | Liberation from suffering and rebirth | Psychological well being, self actualisation |
Correlates of five states of mind (Jayasheela & Salagame, 2018)
| State of Mind | Description | Dominant Guna(s) | Psychological Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mūḍha | Lethargic, dull, lacks awareness | Tamas | Confusion, sluggishness, ignorance |
| Kṣipta | Restless, highly agitated, scattered thoughts | Rajas | Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inability to focus |
| Vikṣipta | Alternates between distraction and focus | Rajas & Sattva | Moments of clarity followed by distraction |
| Ekāgra | Deep concentration, mental steadiness | Sattva | Sharp focus, self-awareness, discipline |
| Niruddha | Complete mental stillness and mastery | Pure Sattva | Absolute self-control, spiritual realization, inner peace |
Linked knowledge
Related Concepts12
- VikṣepaBoth quote Yoga Sūtra 1.30 · Both are in the topic “Mind: states and obstacles”
- AhiṃsāBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- AsteyaBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- BrahmacaryaBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- BrahmavihāraBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- Five Steps of PerfectionBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- Momentum of Spiritual PracticeBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- Pañca kleśaBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra · Both are in the topic “Mind: states and obstacles”
- SatyaBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra
- Upa-vikṣepaBoth quote the Yoga Sūtra · Both are in the topic “Mind: states and obstacles”
- TriguṇaBoth cite Jayasheela & K. Salagame (2018)
- SthitaprajñaBoth are in the topic “Mind: states and obstacles”
Texts it quotes1
On this page1
References7
- Aravinda Prabhu & Bhat (2013)
- Das & Rai (2024)
- Durga Tanisandra Krishnappa et al. (2020)
- Jayasheela & K. Salagame (2018)
- Sridhar & Nagendra (2021)
- Tomar (2024)
- Yogasutra- Verse 1.2 – Yogasutra-1.2-yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ – In Sanskrit with English Transliteration, Translation, Meaning and Commentary by Swami Vivekananda (2020)
Questionnaire1
- Know Your State of Mind ProfileComing later
Read more on another site: DharmaWiki.
References
(7)
- Aravinda Prabhu, H., & Bhat, P. (2013). Mind and consciousness in yoga – Vedanta: A comparative analysis with western psychological concepts. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(6), 182. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.105524
- Das, A., & Rai, R. (2024). Exploring Mental Well-being from the Perspective of the Indian Knowledge System with Special Reference to…. ResearchGate, 55(2), 119–137. researchgate.net
- Durga Tanisandra Krishnappa, Sridhar, M. K., & Nagendra, H. R. (2020). Concept of mind in Indian philosophy, Western philosophy, and psychology. Yoga Mimamsa, 52(1), 25–28. doi:10.4103/ym.ym_24_19
- Jayasheela & K. Salagame, K. K. (2018). Triguṇa and chitta bhūmike in Yoga practitioners. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 9(01). doi:10.15614/ijpp.v9i01.11739
- Sridhar, M., & Nagendra, H. (2021). Consciousness in Indian philosophy and modern physics. International Journal of Yoga – Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology, 9(2), 53. doi:10.4103/ijoyppp.ijoyppp_8_21
- Tomar, V. S. (2024). Self management through self evaluation (1st). Prabhat Prakashan. books.google.co.in
- (2020, October 19). Yogasutra- Verse 1.2 – Yogasutra-1.2-yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ – In Sanskrit with English Transliteration, Translation, Meaning and Commentary by Swami Vivekananda. Shlokam. shlokam.org
Carried over from the current site’s page care4mind.org/knowyourmind/, read on 2026-10-27. Not yet reviewed by the Research editor.