The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe the fluctuations of the mind through the concept of Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra, which means that at times the consciousness identifies itself with the patterns or modifications of the mind. When the mind is restless, distracted, or clouded by constant thoughts, the pure Self becomes entangled with these fluctuations, making one believe that the mind’s experiences and conditioning are the true identity. Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra emphasizes that unless one practices stillness, self-awareness, and meditation, the mind keeps running outwardly, attaching itself to external experiences, emotions, and desires. This leads to a cycle of confusion and suffering, as the individual identifies more with the ever-changing mental states rather than the unchanging inner Self. Patanjali introduces this idea early in the Yoga Sutras to highlight the need for practices like concentration, mindfulness, and detachment, which help the seeker disassociate from the turbulence of thoughts. By deeply understanding Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra, a practitioner can recognize how the mind creates false identifications, and through yoga, gradually return to the state of pure awareness and union with the Self.