1This paper is based on the doctoral work of the first author
2Research Scholar, Department of Studies in Psychology, University of Mysore
3Formerly, Professor, Department of Studies in Psychology, University of Mysore
Online published on 27 November, 2018.
Yoga literature distinguishes between five different states of mind (chitta bhumike) among humans viz., kshipta, mudha, vikshipta, ekagra and niruddha. Their characteristics are described. It is said that persons who are in the first two states are without any spiritual inclination and it begins in the third state, vikshipta, leading to the practice of some kind of spiritual paths, such as Patanjali's Yoga way of life. The state of mind of a yoga practitioner progressively approaches towards one-pointedness (ekagra) to the complete cessation of mental activities (niruddha). To examine the states of mind of Yoga practitioners, Chitta Bhumike Inventory was developed. Yoga practitioners (n=60) and Normal Controls (n=60) were administered the inventory, along with the others. Data were collected in yoga centres in Mysore followed by individual interview. Results of the study revealed a significant difference between the two groups on the sub-scales of Chitta Bhumike Inventory.
Yoga, Chitta Bhumike, Kshipta. Mudha. Vikshipta. Ekagra. Niruddha
