YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI | CHAPTER 1 - SAMADHI PADA | VERSE 5 | COMMENTARY
Vrittyah Panchatyah Klishtaklishtah.
वृत्तयः पञ्चतय्यः क्लिष्टाक्लिष्टाः ।।१.५।।
Vṛttayaḥ panchatayyaḥ kliṣṭa̅kliṣṭa̅ḥ ||1.5||
The modifications of the mind of five types; they can be pleasant or unpleasant.
Maharishi Patanjali has given the definition of Yoga and given the state that is achieved when Yoga is practiced and the state otherwise. According to him, it is the vrittis (modifications) of the mind that when unsubdued and uncontrolled deprive us of our true nature of an observer.
Now, he moves towards categorizing the vrittis so that they may be recognized. Once again, it may be remembered that this is information and has little application on the path. For a few people only may this information serve any kind of purpose of advancing on the path of Yoga. Practicing awareness of the type of vrittis manifesting in the mind may help the practitioner assume an observer’s seat.
He says that all modifications of the mind can be categorized under five headings. These modifications can be, in different circumstances, pleasant or unpleasant i.e., they may provide the sensation of pleasure, or may cause pain.