Define Citta in Yoga Philosophy.

In Yoga philosophy, particularly as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, 'Citta' refers to the totality of the mind, including thoughts, emotions, memories, and the subconscious. It encompasses the entire mental field or the aggregate of consciousness. Understanding and managing the fluctuations of the citta is essential in the practice of Yoga, aiming for mental clarity, focus, and ultimately, liberation (Kaivalya).

Key aspects of Citta in Yoga philosophy include:

1. Components of Citta: Patanjali identifies four components of the citta – Manas (mind or sensory processing), Buddhi (intellect or discriminative faculty), Ahamkara (ego or sense of 'I-ness'), and Chitta (memory or storehouse of impressions).

2. Fluctuations (Vrittis): The citta is characterized by constant fluctuations or vrittis, including thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. The goal of Yoga is to quiet these fluctuations to attain a state of mental stillness and concentration.

3. Impact on Suffering (Dukkha): According to Yoga philosophy, the uncontrolled and undisciplined citta contributes to suffering (dukha). Through practices like meditation and mindfulness, individuals seek to gain mastery over the citta, reducing mental disturbances.

4. Liberation: Attaining control over the citta is a fundamental step toward the ultimate goal of Yoga – liberation or Kaivalya. By transcending the modifications of the mind, individuals can realize their true nature beyond the fluctuations of the mental field.

In summary, citta is a comprehensive term in Yoga philosophy encompassing the entire mental realm. Understanding and refining the citta is integral to the transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual realization in the practice of Yoga.