Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘concept of Citta’ of the study dealing with the Spiritual Practices of Jainism and Patanjali Yoga in the context of ancient Indian Philosophy (in Sanskrit: Darshana), including extracts from the Yogasutra and the Tattvartha-Sutra. The system of Yoga offers techniques which are scientifically designed for the spiritual development of an individual. Jainism offers ethicical principles and meditation practices to assist with spiritual development.
Part 4.2 - The concept of Citta
[Full title: The Concept and Content of Patanjali Yogadarsana (2): Citta]
The word “citta” is derived from “cit” which means to enlighten, to make aware. So, “citta” is that which has acquired consciousness or that which is enlightened. Basically, citta is insentient (jada) and is ignited with consciousness by presence of Purusa. According to sage Patanjali, “citta’ here is a conglomeration of manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), ahamkara (ego) and a group of senses i.e. five jnanendriyas, five karmendriya and five tanmatras.
Citta here is thus a “mind stuff”, a medium through which an individual soul materializes his individual world, lives and evolves in the world until he has become perfected and united with the universal consciousness. Citta corresponds to mind as per modern sutrachology, but actually it is universal medium through which consciousness functions on all the planes of the manifested universe, whereas mind is confined to the expression of only thoughts, volition and feeling. But, for our understanding in English, Citta is loosely translated as “mind”. Its modifications are known as cittavrttis.