I n today's fast track world everyone is experiencing mental restlessness. Stress, emotional overload, and digital distractions often keep the mind in a state of constant agitation. Long before modern psychology and neuroscience emerged, Indian wisdom traditions explored this topic in depth. Among the most profound contributions is the framework offered by the sage Patanjali through Yogasutras. Though written thousands of years ago, Patanjali’s writings resonate with the research of contemporary neuroscience. His Sutras may be understood as a practical blueprint for neural calm. In his Yogasutras, Patanjali refers to mental restlessness as the Chitta- Vrittis or the fluctuation of the mind.

 

He recommends Nirodha or calming and regulating those mental fluctuations. Rather than suppressing those thought waves, Patanjali suggests reducing those mental turbulence through numerous tools and techniques. In modern terminology. It can be compared to the improvement and regulation of attention and emotional activity. Neuroscience shows that it is the tendency of the brain to pendulate between focused attention and wandering thoughts. A network known as Default Mode Network becomes active when the mind drifts towards self referential thinking, worries, and repetitive mental narratives. Studies demonstrate that excessive activation of this network is associated with anxiety, stress , and rumination. Research on Pranayama, meditation, and mindful practices have shown reduced activity in Default Mode Network. Functional MRI studies done by neuroscientists have shown that contemplative practices can reduce repetitive thought cycles and improve mental regulation. This aligns with Patanjali’s idea that calming mental agitations leads to better cognitive clarity and steadiness.

 

When viewed through a neuroscientific lens, the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali is full of scientific insights. It includes ethical discipline, postures, breath regulation, self restraint, sensory management, concentration, meditation, and higher states of awareness. Each step appears to influence the function of the brain in meaningful ways. Breath regulation or Pranayama offer a particularly interesting example. Modern neuroscience has identified strong links between breath and nervous systems. Slow and controlled breathing can regulate the parasympathetic nervous system commonly known as Rest and Restore system. Studies suggest that harmonious and rhythmic breathing improves the vagal tone and helps in reducing physiological stress responses.

 

Heart rate becomes steadier, emotional reactivity decreases and nervous system shifts towards calm. Attention training is another important aspect of Patanjali’ s Yoga system. Practices involving Dharana and Dhyana involve repeatedly bringing back the attention to the chosen objects. Neuroscientific research shows that such practices strengthen the areas of the executive control of the brain specifically associated with attention regulation linked to the prefrontal cortex. This area supports decision making, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. It has been found that repeated practices contribute to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the capacity of the brain to reorganise itself and create new networks. As a result over a period of time , these practices generate neural calm not as a temporary feeling, but as a deeply ingrained neural response. Patanjali also emphasises Abhyasa and Vairagya. Abhyasa is steady practice and Vairagya is non attachment. Modern behavioral science also demonstrates that lasting transformation takes place only through constant practice and reduced over identification. Observing thoughts without automatically reacting to them is considered a key aspect of emotional resilience. Thus, neural calm is not passivity, but a sustained cultivation of inner regulation.

 

(The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■