Nirodha pariṇāma

Nirodha pariṇāma 

is that modification in which there is the disappearance of outgoing latent impressions and the appearance of suppressed latent impressions which arise in the mind at the moment of suppression.

We are bothered by two things—the thoughts and the latent impressions (saṁskāra).

It is not enough if we control the thoughts alone, we have to control the latent impressions also in order to achieve a perfect meditation. 

The latent impressions are of two kinds—the outgoing ones (vyutthāna) and the ones that are being suppressed (nirodha). In between them, there arises a mental modification, at the time of suppression. This is called nirodha pariṇāma. 

“Vyutthāna refers to the state when a thought arises in the mind based on a previous saṁskāra. So, for example, while in the state of deep meditation, I suddenly think of eating a mango, that will be termed "vyutthāna."

The vyutthāna or the latent impressions are different from the vṛttis or the general thought processes. Although both belong to the mind, their natures are different. The latent impressions may or may not arise from the vṛttis. The latent impressions may even be the result of previous births. 

So even when the vṛttis are suppressed, the vyutthāna saṁskāras can still appear in the mind. The reason for this is the power of the three guṇas—the sattva, rajas, and tamas. Since the three guṇas keep alternating among themselves, the latent impressions also come and go. The vyutthāna saṁskāras can be finally controlled when the stage of kaivalya or liberation is reached. 

Latent impressions of fluctuation and accumulation of latent impression of the arrested state respectively and they figure in a mind in an arrested state. The change of latent impression taking place every moment in the same mind is called nirodha pariṇāma. Here mind has nothing but subliminal impressions.

This meditation gives the glimpse of reality. Nirodha pariṇāma gives you the first glimpse of your real nature. Once one gets this glimpse, sādhaka is no longer the same.

During the night, if one observes the stars twinkling in the sky, one’s attention is attracted towards the stars. But if one can observe the sky which surrounds the stars, one can get experience of the nirodha pariṇāma.

Between the two breaths/words, there is a subtle gap. If one is aware enough to see the gap, it creates transformation in the citta. This is nirodha pariṇāma.

The practice of yoga is a journey to regulating our tendencies. The overall process can be understood as an application of sutras 1.39 and 2.33.

Recent research indicates that regular meditation practice seems to cause physical and physiological changes to the brain. These changes appear to contribute to enhanced performance in processing information, making decisions, forming memories, and improving attention, as well as enabling improved learning and emotional regulation, reduction of fear, anxiety and stress, increase in positive emotions, emotional stability, and mindful behaviour. 

The potencies of suppression too are characteristics of the mind.  When the characteristics of the outgoing potencies are destroyed and the potencies of suppression acquired, is the moment of suppression which the mind appears in conjunction with deep inner stillness and absorption.

This acquiring of different potencies by the one mind every moment is the suppressive change. In that state, the potencies alone are left in the mind. This has been described as the Suppressive Trance.

To deep dive into the depths of the amazing philosophical concepts in Patanjali Yoga Sutras, join us in the upcoming classes.

Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Patanjali Yog Sutra [English]- 23.1.2025