Vṛttis Meeting Vṛttis
Deepak ChopraPublished on August 26, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
The yogic tradition offers a unique perspective on human connection, suggesting that when we meet others, we interact with their 'vṛtti' or patterns of awareness rather than the individual themselves. This understanding encourages a deeper appreciation of the shared consciousness that underlies all interactions.
Key Points
- Conventional views treat interactions as transactional exchanges of words and feelings.
- Yogic philosophy posits that we meet the 'vṛtti' of others, not the person themselves.
- Remote interactions create a sparser representation of the other person, leading to ghost-like encounters.
- Touch is still perceived as a modification in consciousness, not a direct meeting of two beings.
- Understanding interactions as 'vṛtti-with-vṛtti' can transform our approach to relationships and intimacy.
Understanding Connection Through the Lens of Yogic Philosophy
The essence of human interaction has long been a subject of fascination, particularly in the context of how we relate to one another. Conventional wisdom suggests that when two individuals meet, they engage in a transactional exchange of words, feelings, and ideas. However, the yogic tradition offers a profound re-interpretation of this phenomenon, inviting us to perceive it through the lens of consciousness and awareness.
The Conventional View vs. The Yogic Perspective
In everyday life, we often think of ourselves as separate beings, each with our own history and interior life. This perception is deeply ingrained in our language, often leading to a transactional metaphor of interaction. Yet, when we look at this through the teachings of Patañjali, we discover a different narrative.
Patañjali describes the mind's activity as vṛtti modifications, which arise within the field of consciousness known as citta. According to him, every experience—be it perception, memory, or emotion—is a vṛtti. Thus, when we encounter another person, we do not meet the individual as a whole but rather the vṛtti of that individual, which arises in our own awareness.
The Nature of Remote Interaction
In our increasingly digital world, we often communicate across distances without shared sensory experiences. This leads to a unique challenge: how do we construct the vṛtti of another person without physical presence? Through text messages, emails, and voice notes, we create a representation of the other, albeit a sparser and potentially distorted version, influenced by our own projections.
Technologies such as FaceTime or Zoom can restore a sense of intimacy by allowing visual contact, yet the other remains a pattern—a collection of pixels and light. This quality renders encounters ghost-like, as we engage with an image rather than the full essence of the other person.
Touch and Intimacy in the Yogic Tradition
Touch, often considered the most intimate form of connection, is also viewed through the lens of vṛtti. Even the most tender caress or embrace is merely a modification in consciousness. The sensations we associate with touch arise within our awareness, making them personal experiences of sparśa (touch) that are interpreted through our own consciousness.
As Kashmir Shaivism suggests, the encounter between two individuals is an expression of consciousness recognizing itself, transforming what we perceive as two into a singular, unified experience.
The Four Levels of Interaction
The yogic tradition articulates that every interaction traverses four levels:
- Parā: The undifferentiated pulsation of awareness before any thoughts or actions.
- Paśyantī: The impulse of seeing, where the encounter is known but not yet formed.
- Madhyama: The inner dialogue, where intentions begin to take shape.
- Vaikharī: The outer expression, where the interaction is manifested through words or actions.
Interestingly, contemporary neuroscience supports these stages, indicating that our awareness of an interaction often comes after it has already begun.
The Implications of This Understanding
If every interaction is a vṛtti-to-vṛtti exchange within a single field of awareness, our perspective on interpersonal dynamics shifts significantly. Offense, attraction, and even conflict all emerge as patterning events in our shared consciousness.
In this light, it's essential to recognize that intimacy isn't lost in remote interactions; rather, it becomes thinner due to the limited sensory bandwidth. However, the shared awareness—the ontological ground—remains untouched. This understanding allows us to view interactions as optional and ornamental, free from the weight of expectation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the yogic perspective encourages us to see ourselves not as isolated beings but as integral parts of a unified field of consciousness. By recognizing that we are the awareness in which interactions arise, we can engage with the world around us more freely and authentically. As we navigate our connections, we can practice being present, witnessing the vṛttis that unfold around us and embracing the beauty of shared existence.
In the words of a profound teaching, "You are not in the room; you are the room." This realization opens the door to deeper understanding and connection in every encounter.