vriti

Vriti, in Sanskrit, translates to "rotation," "turning," or "whirling." In philosophical and spiritual contexts, particularly within Hinduism, it refers to the modifications or fluctuations of the mind, often translated as "thought-waves" or "mental modifications." The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text for yoga, extensively discusses vriti as the primary obstacle to attaining Samadhi, or profound meditative absorption. Patanjali states that yoga is the cessation of these mental fluctuations.

These vrits can be positive or negative and manifest in various forms, including correct cognition, incorrect cognition, imagination, sleep, and memory. The goal of yoga practice, as outlined by Patanjali, is to gain control over these vrits, ultimately leading to a state of stillness and clarity where the true nature of the self can be realized. Techniques such as meditation, breath control (pranayama), and ethical conduct are employed to quiet the vrits. Understanding and observing these mental modifications is a key step in the yogic path.