Sāmkhya: Karyavada (causation) 3. Yoga:Cittavṛttiandits Nirodha; Aşțangika Mārga

Question 1: Sāmkhya: Karyavada (causation)

In Sāmkhya philosophy, Karyavada refers to the theory of causation, specifically Satkaryavada. This doctrine posits that the effect (karya) pre-exists in its cause (karana) in a latent or unmanifest form. Therefore, creation is not the production of something entirely new, but rather the manifestation or transformation of what already exists in the cause. It implies that nothing truly new can be created, and nothing can be absolutely destroyed; only forms change.

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Question 2: Yoga: Cittavṛtti and its Nirodha

In Yoga philosophy, Cittavṛtti refers to the modifications, fluctuations, or activities of the mind-stuff (citta). These vṛttis include perception, misperception, imagination, sleep, and memory, and they keep the mind in a state of constant agitation. Nirodha means cessation, restraint, or control. The core definition of Yoga, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, is "Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah" (Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind-stuff). The goal of Yoga is to achieve this state of nirodha, where the mind becomes still and the true self (Purusha) can be realized.

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Question 3: Yoga: Aṣṭāṅgika Mārga

The Aṣṭāṅgika Mārga, or the Eight-limbed Path, is a systematic framework outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras for achieving the state of Yoga (union or liberation). These eight limbs are:

1. Yama (ethical restraints): non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, non-possessiveness.
2. Niyama (observances): purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, surrender to a higher power.
3. Āsana (postures): physical postures for stability and comfort.
4. Prāṇāyāma (breath control): regulation of the breath to control vital energy.
5. Pratyāhāra (sense withdrawal): withdrawal of the senses from external objects.
6. Dhāraṇā (concentration): focusing the mind on a single point.
7. Dhyāna (meditation): sustained concentration without interruption.
8. Samādhi (absorption/super-conscious state): a state of profound meditation where the meditator merges with the object of meditation, leading to self-realization.