[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Religion and philosophy](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion) › [A History of Indian Philosophy](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922) › v2.c19.s8.1 # A History of Indian Philosophy v2.c19.s8.1 A History of Indian Philosophy v2.c19.s8.1 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c19.s8.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s8.1) The mind (\*citta\*), which naturally transforms itself into its states (\*vṛtti\*), does so for two reasons, which are said to be like its two seeds. One of these is the vibration (\*parispanda\*) of \*prāṇa\*, and the other, strong and deep-rooted desires and inclinations which construct (\*dṛḍha-bhāvanā\*)¹. When the \*prāṇa\* vibrates and is on the point of passing through the nerves (\*nāḍī-saṁsparśanodyata\*), then there appears the mind full of its thought processes (\*saṁvedanamaya\*). But when the \*prāṇa\* lies dormant in the hollow of the veins (\*śirā-saraṇi-koṭare\*), then there is no manifestation of mind, and its processes and the cognitive functions do not operate². It is the vibration of the \*prāṇa\* (\*prāṇa-spanda\*) that manifests itself through the \*citta\* and causes the world-appearance out of nothing. The cessation of the vibration of \*prāṇa\* means cessation of all cognitive functions. As a result of the vibration of \*prāṇa\*, the cognitive function is set in motion like a top (\*vīṭā\*). As a top spins round in the yard when struck, so, roused by the vibration of \*prāṇa\*, knowledge is manifested; and in order to stop the course of knowledge, it is necessary that the cause of knowledge should be first attacked. When the \*citta\* remains awake to the inner sense, while shut to all extraneous cognitive activities, we have the highest state. For the cessation of \*citta\* the yogins control \*prāṇa\* through \*prāṇāyāma\* (breath-regulation) and meditation (\*dhyāna\*), in accordance with proper instructions³. - [Previous: v2.c19.s7.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s7.16) - [Next: v2.c19.s8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s8.2) - [Up: v2.c19.s8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s8.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.dasgupta-1922.v2.c19.s8.1) · Pramāṇa