Shloka 22
स्वच्छत्वमविकारित्वं शान्तत्वमिति चेतस: । वृत्तिभिर्लक्षणं प्रोक्तं यथापां प्रकृति: परा ॥ २२ ॥
svacchatvam avikāritvaṁ śāntatvam iti cetasaḥ vṛttibhir lakṣaṇaṁ proktaṁ yathāpāṁ prakṛtiḥ parā
With the manifestation of the mahat-tattva, the mind is said to be marked by clarity, freedom from change, and peace. As water, before touching earth, is naturally clear, sweet, and still, so pure consciousness is known by perfect serenity, lucid clarity, and absence of distraction.
The pure status of consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, exists in the beginning; just after creation, consciousness is not polluted. The more one becomes materially contaminated, however, the more consciousness becomes obscured. In pure consciousness one can perceive a slight reflection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As in clear, unagitated water, free from impurities, one can see everything clearly, so in pure consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can see things as they are. One can see the reflection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and one can see his own existence as well. This state of consciousness is very pleasing, transparent and sober. In the beginning, consciousness is pure.
FAQs
In 3.26.22, Lord Kapila states that the mind is recognized by its functions (vṛttis), and its key symptoms are clarity (svacchatva), freedom from distortion (avikāritva), and peacefulness (śāntatva).
Kapila instructs Devahūti in Sāṅkhya-yoga to help her discern the inner instrument (mind) and its states, so she can pursue purification and steady devotion leading toward liberation.
Use the mind’s “vṛttis” as a diagnostic: when thoughts become agitated or distorted, return to practices that restore clarity—truthfulness, regulated habits, and especially bhakti practices like attentive japa and hearing—so the mind becomes calm and steady.