What are the Different Types of “Vritti” (Yoga Philosophy)

When the objects or ambitions of the Chitta (the mental processes) are controlled, the Jeeva Swaroop the Vritti is of two types, difficult and easy, that is pain-giving and painless. “Maharshi Patanjali” has spoken of five types of Vritti, They are as follows:-

1. Praman-Vritti

2. Viparayaya-Vritti

3. Vikalp-Vritti

4. Nidra-Vritti

5. Smriti- Vritti

We shall understand all these five as follows:—

Image Source: journal.phong.com

1. Praman-Vritti:

Praman is the measurement through which we attain true knowledge.

2. Viprayaya-Vritti:

It is false knowledge. It does not give the true picture of a situation.

3. Vikalpa-Vritti:

Vikalpa is that knowledge which is dependent on words in the absence of the object itself. Vikalpa is an element of thinking. Whatever knowledge is available in books is of the Vikalpa type.

4. Nidra-Vritti:

In a Nidra (dream) the object which is not present appears to be present.

5. Smriti-Vritti:

Not losing the experienced subject is Smriti (memory).