In yogic philosophy, it is believed that we are not the mind, but rather we are the conscious awareness that observes the mind. This idea is often expressed through the Sanskrit phrase “chitta vritti nirodha,” which means “the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”
Yogis believe that the mind is a tool that we can use to navigate the world, but it is not our true self. The mind is often compared to a wild horse that needs to be tamed and trained so that it can be used for our benefit rather than causing us harm.
By recognizing that we are not the mind, yogis encourage us to cultivate a sense of detachment from our thoughts and emotions. This detachment allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, and to respond to the world with greater clarity, wisdom, and compassion.
In addition to cultivating detachment, yogic philosophy teaches us to focus on the present moment and to let go of our attachments to the past and future. This helps us to reduce stress and anxiety, and to cultivate a sense of peace and contentment in our lives.
By embracing the idea that we are not the mind, we can learn to observe our thoughts and emotions with greater objectivity and awareness, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and wellbeing. This can help us to navigate the challenges of life with greater clarity, wisdom, and compassion, and to cultivate a deeper connection to our true selves and the divine.