From Citta to Consciousness: Conceptual Parallels between Yoga Sūtra and Modern Psychology

Classical yogic philosophy, as systematized in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, presents a structured psychological model of mind and consciousness that parallels contemporary psychological science. The paper explores conceptual similarities between Patanjali's concept of citta (mind-stuff) and its modifications (vrittis) and modern cognitive psychology's constructs of mental processes, cognition, behavior regulation, and altered states of consciousness. By analyzing themes such as the nature of mind, cognitive fluctuations, self-construction, emotional regulation, and transformation of consciousness, the authors argue that yoga offers a systematic psychological framework relevant to modern theoretical and empirical research, not merely a spiritual discipline.

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Abstract

The concept of mind and consciousness has been central to both classical yogic philosophy and contemporary psychological science. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali presents a systematic psychological framework centered around citta (mind-stuff), its modifications (vrittis), and the attainment of higher states of consciousness through disciplined practice. Modern psychology, particularly cognitive psychology, similarly investigates mental processes, cognition, behavior regulation, and altered states of consciousness. This paper thematically explores conceptual parallels between Patanjali’s model of citta and contemporary psychological constructs of mind and consciousness. By analyzing key themes: nature of mind, cognitive fluctuations, self-construction, emotional regulation, and transformation of consciousness, this study demonstrates that classical yoga philosophy offers a systematic psychological model that resonates with modern theoretical and empirical frameworks. The comparison highlights yoga’s relevance not merely as a spiritual discipline but as a profound psychological science.