In the Yogasutras of Patanjali, the concept of "nirmana chitta" holds significant importance in the spiritual journey of a yogi. According to Yoga Sutras 4.4 and 5, when a yogi reaches an advanced stage on the path of spiritual realization, they may perceive through their intuitive inner eye that there are still some karmic residues (sanchita karma) yet to manifest as destined actions (prarabdha karma). This realization could potentially impede their attainment of kaivalya, or ultimate liberation.
To address this, the adept yogi, utilizing their advanced
yogic powers, can undertake a remarkable practice: they create multiple subtle
bodies, each equipped to experience and exhaust specific karmic residues. The
mind associated with each of these created bodies is termed "nirmana
chitta."
It's crucial to understand that although each nirmana chitta
functions independently through its respective body to work through and resolve
the karma associated with it, the fundamental or original chitta remains that
of the yogi. This primary chitta governs and orchestrates the actions of all
the nirmana chittas, ensuring alignment with the yogi's spiritual goals and
evolution.
In essence, the concept of nirmana chitta illustrates the
yogi's extraordinary ability to transcend conventional limitations and actively
participate in the resolution of their karmic journey, ultimately leading
towards the realization of kaivalya or spiritual liberation.