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Concept
1 min read

Vritti: Mental Modifications and Thought Patterns

Patanjali's concept of mental fluctuations that explains how dyslexic and ADHD brains process information differently, and how to work with—not against—these patterns.

Patan
Why It Matters

Vritti are the fluctuations, modifications, or waves of the mind that Patanjali identifies as the root of suffering. For neurodivergent individuals, vritti manifest as racing thoughts, intrusive tangents, hyperfocus spirals, or difficulty maintaining linear processing. Rather than treating these patterns as disorders, Patanjali's framework invites understanding them as natural mind movements. Dyslexic minds might show vritti through non-linear thinking, making unexpected creative connections. ADHD minds show vritti through rapid ideation and attention shifts. Yoga Sutras teach that mastery isn't about stopping vritti—it's about observing them without judgment and gradually stilling unnecessary fluctuations through practice. This approach validates how neurodivergent brains actually work while offering real techniques—meditation, pranayama, focused intention—to direct mental energy productively. Rather than fighting their nature, dyslexic and ADHD learners learn to choreograph their thoughts, transforming vritti from chaos into creative capacity.

Helpful guides
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Mental Health
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