Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 22
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
स्वच्छत्वमविकारित्वं शान्तत्वमिति चेतस: । वृत्तिभिर्लक्षणं प्रोक्तं यथापां प्रकृति: परा ॥ २२ ॥
svacchatvam avikāritvaṁ śāntatvam iti cetasaḥ vṛttibhir lakṣaṇaṁ proktaṁ yathāpāṁ prakṛtiḥ parā
เมื่อมหัตตัตตวะปรากฏ คุณลักษณะของจิตย่อมปรากฏพร้อมกัน คือ ความใสบริสุทธิ์ ความไม่แปรเปลี่ยน และความสงบ. ดุจน้ำก่อนสัมผัสดินที่ใส หวาน และนิ่งฉันใด ลักษณะของจิตสำนึกอันบริสุทธิ์ก็เป็นความสงบอย่างสมบูรณ์ ความกระจ่าง และไม่ฟุ้งซ่านฉันนั้น.
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.