Which one among the following is Not a cittavṛtti according to Pātañjala‐yoga?

Correct option is D

Correct answer: d Avidyā
​Introduction: ​In Pātañjala Yoga, cittavṛttis are the modifications or fluctuations of the mind-stuff ( citta) that obscure the true nature of the self ( puruṣa).
​Information Booster: · ​ Definition of Avidyā: Avidyā (ignorance) is classified as a kleśa (affliction or root cause of suffering) rather than a cittavṛtti (mental modification).
· ​ The Five Kleśas: Patanjali lists five key afflictions that taint human experience: avidyā (ignorance), asmitā (egoism), rāga (attachment), dveṣa (aversion), and abhiniveśa (fear of death). Avidyā acts as the breeding ground for all other afflictions.
· ​ Functional Difference: While cittavṛttis are the actual thoughts, perceptions, and states of mind that we experience, avidyā is the deep-seated spiritual blindness that causes us to mistake the transient, impure, and painful for the eternal, pure, and joyful.
​Additional Knowledge: · ​ Pramāṇa (Right Knowledge):
· ​This is one of the five recognized cittavṛttis.
· ​It refers to valid cognitive states obtained through pratyakṣa (direct perception), anumāna (inference), and āgama (verbal testimony).
· ​ Vikalpa (Verbal Delusion/Imagination):
· ​This is a recognized cittavṛtti consisting of thoughts sparked by words that have no corresponding physical reality or substance behind them (e.g., "the horns of a hare").
· ​ Nidrā (Sleep):
· ​In Yoga philosophy, deep, dreamless sleep is considered an active cittavṛtti dominated by inertia ( tamas).
· ​It is a mental modification supported by the cognition of the absence of other thoughts.