Is it wrong to have modulations of the mind?
People usually say these five vrittis, or modulations, should be done away with. That is not right. For example, some people try to stay awake the whole night. That is not what Maharishi Patanjali is talking about here.
These vrittis are said to be clista or aclista; that is, some are difficult and painful, and some are not. For example, if you don't get enough sleep, it is painful. At the same time, if you sleep too much, there is lethargy and discomfort. Similarly, if you forget everything, it is painful, and if you cannot forget anything, that is painful too.
The same applies to wanting proof. Perhaps that is why there is the proverb 'Ignorance is bliss'. You are blissful when you don't know something, but when you get the proof, the truth can be hard-hitting and painful.
With ignorance and wrong understanding, you can remain in the little world you build in your mind and it may be comforting. You can sit and imagine you have become an angel and are flying in the sky with wings. It's not painful. Similarly, if you imagine people are after you and everybody is against you and out to get you, you can make your own life difficult.
These five vrittis, or modulations, are an indispensable part of life. But if they get out of control or are not in your control, then you can never come back to yourself. How do you contend with the overpowering nature of these activities of mind? It is through abhyasa and vairagya, practice and detachment.
An effort is needed to relieve you of the five modulations, to bring the mind to the present moment. This effort is called abhyasa.
You can start by being determined that you are not going to be interested in any proof or knowledge. If the mind asks for proof or knowledge, just observe it and relax. Let things be the way they are.
If the mind is on some fantasy, know it is happening. Knowing you are fantasising, it drops off, freeing you and bringing you back to the present moment. This moment is so new, so fresh, and so total.
