Patanjali now takes us one step deeper into understanding the mind.
In the previous sutra, we learned that when we are not established in our true nature, we tend to identify ourselves with the vrittis—the changing movements and patterns of the mind.
In Sutra 1.5, Patanjali tells us that these mental modifications are fivefold and that they can be either Klishta or Aklishta.
Klishta refers to modifications that are disturbing, painful or create suffering.
Aklishta refers to those that are less disturbing and do not create the same kind of suffering.
But there is something much more practical hidden in this sutra.
What Are Vrittis?
Vrittis can be understood as patterns or movements of the mind that influence the way we perceive, think, feel and respond to life.
Over time, repeated experiences create familiar patterns within us.
Something happens.
We interpret it in a particular way.
We feel something.
We react.
And when a similar situation appears again, the mind often follows the same pathway.
This is why we may find ourselves repeatedly reacting in the same way—even when we consciously want to respond differently.
A person who has repeatedly experienced criticism may automatically become defensive.
Someone who has repeatedly experienced failure may begin to doubt themselves before even trying.
On the other hand, someone who has cultivated patience, gratitude or compassion may naturally respond with greater calm when faced with difficulty.
These repeated patterns become increasingly familiar to the mind.
Vrittis Become Strong Through Repetition
A thought by itself may not have much power.
But when a thought is repeatedly accompanied by strong emotion, it can become a deeply established mental pattern.
For example, imagine repeatedly thinking:
“I am not good enough.”
If that thought is accompanied by fear, shame or disappointment, the emotional intensity strengthens the pattern.
Eventually, the thought may arise automatically whenever a challenging situation appears.
The same principle works in a positive direction.
If we repeatedly practise gratitude, patience, awareness, kindness or courage—and consciously strengthen these qualities—they too become stronger tendencies within us.
What we repeatedly think, feel and practise gradually becomes easier for the mind to repeat.
This is why our daily experiences matter.
Pleasant Does Not Always Mean Helpful
Patanjali’s distinction between Klishta and Aklishta also invites us to look beyond whether an experience feels pleasant or unpleasant in the moment.
Some patterns may feel comfortable but still keep us trapped.
For example, avoiding a difficult conversation may give immediate relief, but repeated avoidance can strengthen fear.
Similarly, constantly seeking approval may temporarily make us feel accepted, but it can strengthen our dependence on external validation.
So the question is not simply:
“Does this feel good?”
A deeper question is:
“What kind of pattern am I strengthening within myself?”
We Are Constantly Cultivating Our Mind
Every day, through our thoughts, reactions, choices and experiences, we are reinforcing certain mental tendencies.
If we repeatedly react with anger, anger becomes easier to access.
If we repeatedly worry, the mind becomes familiar with worry.
If we repeatedly pause, observe and respond consciously, awareness becomes easier to access.
This does not mean that we can simply suppress unwanted thoughts or emotions.
Yoga offers something more intelligent than suppression.
It teaches us to cultivate awareness and consciously strengthen healthier tendencies, while reducing the power of patterns that repeatedly create disturbance.
The Role of Yoga
This is where the practice of Yoga becomes deeply practical.
Through concentration, meditation, pranayama, self-observation and mindful living, we begin to notice our recurring patterns.
Instead of automatically reacting, we create a small space in which we can observe.
“Why am I reacting this way?”
“Is this a familiar pattern?”
“Is this response creating more disturbance or more clarity?”
With awareness, we gain the possibility of choosing a different response.
The aim is not to fight the mind.
It is to understand it.
And once we understand the patterns that repeatedly arise within us, we can begin to consciously cultivate those qualities that support greater clarity, stability and inner freedom.
A Simple Practice for Everyday Life
The next time you notice yourself reacting strongly to a situation, pause for a moment.
Take one slow breath and ask:
“Is this my conscious response, or is this an old mental pattern repeating itself?”
You don’t have to change it immediately.
First, simply observe it.
Observation creates awareness.
Awareness creates choice.
And repeated conscious choices gradually help reshape the patterns of the mind.
This is one of the beautiful practical messages hidden within Sutra 1.5:
Every day, we are not only experiencing life—we are also cultivating our mind through the way we think, feel and respond.
Yoga teaches us to become conscious of that process.
Because when we become aware of our vrittis, we are no longer completely controlled by them.
We begin to become the observer rather than merely the reaction.
