The Vrtti of Conceptualization Processes/Thinking

vikalpa: conceptualization processes, elaborations of the intellect, concepts derived from word associations, conceptual speculation, discursive thinking processes, mental chatter, logical and reasoned speculation. Thought formation processes constructed out of words. Symbolic representations. Although the thinker may imagine or assume that the word constructs are accurate portrayals of reality, in reality they are mere fabrications of the mind, fantasies, delusion, hallucinations, contrivances, artificially derived ideas and constructs, fancies of the monkey mind; discursive thought; the wandering mind.

vastu-sunyo: empty of meaning

shabda-jnananupati: knowledge constructed out of word associations

sunyo: empty, void, or open. In this sense empty or devoid.

anupati: a sequential or lineal process of association

jnana: knowledge

Jnananupati: a lineal or sequentially constructed thought process. Knowledge based on thought constructs (in this case word associations and thoughts, and hence fantasy taken to be "reality".

Commentary: Vikalpa (fabricated and constructed conceptualization processes) are based upon (jnananupati) mere word associations and are therefore empty of any true meaning (vastu-sunyo). Here, "devoid of their essential meaning", pertains to mere intellectual or conceptual knowledge that is created by the conditioned mindset. Conceptual thought (vikalpa) being based on words and their associations, which are merely symbolic contrivances that serve at best as representations of reality. Unfortunately, the dualistic mindset, conflates the mind as the intellect, just as they confuse isolated/fragmented objects of thought as reality.

Knowledge, notions, and pictures (jnana) dependent upon (anupati) anthropocentric contrivances such as language, words, or similar symbols (shabda/representations ) often propel the mind into machinations (vrtti) of imaginative daydreams and fancies -- the artificially contrived products of the conceptualization process (vikalpa) built upon artifice. They are empty (shunyo) of real meaning (vastu) by themselves and thus are mere semantic fancy, which are entirely constructed by mental processes, artificial fabricated patterns, and hence will always serve as inadequate substitutes projected upon the field of awareness devoid of real meaning (vastu-shunyo).

Vikalpa are at best conceptual exercises, ordinary speculative thought constructs, ideations, and imagination, which are, for the most part, built upon words and/or other symbolic representations and vikalpas which convey meaning only in a symbolic way-- words being symbolic representations or pointers/indicators just as a map is not the territory but might lead one to it eventually, or not. Like a map, it is not to be mistaken as the territory. Like an adventure picture show or television program, it is not to be taken as actual experience. Like a fantasy, daydream, hallucination, or delusion, it is not wise to mistake it for reality-as-it-is. Vikalpa is not based on a vital alignment or communion with our true nature, rather it is devoid of true meaning and knowledge, unfortunately too often acting as its substitute. As its substitute, it serves to further obscure the deep felt sense of "Reality" and to block the evolutionary creative power from being expressed, which supports and underlies superficial and afflicted dualistic relationships and processes. A severe confusion and related problems arise when we do not recognize the conceptual reality based on imputations of the intellect as a fantasy.

Unfortunately vikalpa as ordinary cognition based on I/it subject object duality and all subsequent thought constructs based on this false assumption is ubiquitous with the advent of modern left brain dominant modern urban dwellers, who tend to chronically over objectify/reify. Such thought forms are artificially constructed preferential propensities based on manmade symbolic representations and and words (which we will see are essentially empty) and thus carry our attention away from realizing the true profound intimate meaning of union (yoga) as Now Awareness -- being present. Vikalpa being based on mere word (sabda) associations which have become stripped from its energetic quality and roots, thus remain empty and dull. Authentic yogic practices help us release such mental habits and surrender to the true nature of mind (swarupa) such as nirvikalpa types of meditation (dhyana) which are devoid of artificial constructs. When conceptual processes are released, one realizes that the universe innately is based on an intrinsic transconceptual magnificent order ungraspable by the human intellect, yet at the same time most intimately knowable, but only after surrendering the occlusions of vikalpa as well as all the other citta-vrtta and kleshas.

Vikalpa promotes many kleshas. The chief klesha being avidya (ignorance), but vikalpa in particular, promotes asmita (the egoic mindset delusion). Vikalpa itself is fed mostly by dvesa-klesha in which the ego in its flight or revulsion from "reality" creates fantasy realms, daydreams, ivory towers, defensive mental refuges, condemnation of one's enemies, delusions of superiority and grandeur, and a host of similar activities based on dvesa, asmita, and avidya. It is a healthy step in the right direction to recognize one's deluded tendencies and thought processes, but such is not enough. It is a further delusion to imagine that self realization is an artificial real where the mind is free to make up its own fantasies or lies. That is delusion and deception belonging to the prison of citta-vrtti, not liberation, virtue, or clarity based on authentic direct experience of the true nature of one's own mind.