Yoga Sutra Core Concepts: Citta

"An object is known or unknown dependent on whether the mind gets colored by it.

-Yoga Sutras 4:17

Citta is our individual consciousness, or the sum total of the mind's activities that is conditioned by our experience. The heart-mind field accepts outside sensory input, processes and integrates it and stores experiences as memory (including emotion). This information is used to construct our identity, defining who we think we are. Memories are stored in the form of outer memories and deep habitual patterns called samskaras. Transforming and purifying the citta so external objects are perceived accurately is an important focus in yoga.

Citta is composed of three distinct entities known collectively as antah-karana (inner instrument):

1. Manas (mind): Manas is responsible for the processing and analysis of sensory information. It consists of the sensory and motor organs and all voluntary and involuntary action that takes place in the body. It receives input from the senses and is actively involved in the formation of thoughts, words and actions. Manas includes likes/dislikes, pleasure/pain, emotions, etc.

2. Ahamkara (ego): Ahamkara is the ego or the sense of individuality. It is the aspect of the mind that gives rise to the identification with the self. Ahamkara is responsible for creating a sense of "I" and "mine," leading to attachment and a subjective understanding of reality. It plays a crucial role in shaping personal identity and is often considered a source of ignorance and suffering.

3. Buddhi (intellect): Buddhi is the higher intellect or discriminating intelligence. It is associated with discernment, decision-making, and the ability to determine what is right or wrong. It's purpose is to figure out what is true. Outwardly it distinguishes between name/form, time/space, etc. Inwardly, viveka distinguishes between the outer forms and inner conciousness. Buddhi has the capacity to make informed choices and is the citta's decision maker. This aspect of citta is the gateway to our pure inner light of awareness by presenting it's interpretation to the seer (purusha), which then illuminates it.

In terms of perception and action, manas is the instrument and buddhi the agent. The Katha Upanishads describes it in terms of a chariot. The road represents sense objects, the horses the sense organs, the driver the buddhi and the chariot master the purusha. If the driver allows the horses to run wild, chaos ensues. By listening to the chariot master, the reins of the outer mind can be guided in the desired direction.

Citta becomes conditioned over time and colors how we perceive the world. This conditioning can distort our awareness and cause us to act without true understanding. Purification and clarification of the citta connects us to our divine inner awareness, making it a crucial aim in yoga.