Next is Manas that functions as Sankalpa and Vikalpa. Thinking about an object is Sankalpa and thinking about that object’s various states is Vikalpa. Manas is represented by Anirudha – the one who can not be conquered by any one. That means such a strong mind can not be affected by lust and all other desires. Even lust will become free from impurity. Yogis aspire for this Siddhi.

The fourth function of mind is Buddhi (Pradyumna) that discriminates. Discarding false concepts and accepting the right knowledge indicates Buddhi. Memory is also a function of Buddhi. Remembering good and bad experiences of the past and forgetting knowledge and remaining idle are also Buddhi’s functions.

Note – this session gives the detailed functionality of Anthakaranam as four functions and their Devas (Vasudevan, Sankarshanan, Anirudhan and Pradyumnan) respectively. This awareness is very much essential in analyzing our mind and purifying it. For example, planning positively for an exam is Sankalpa, but thinking and visualizing about your failure is Vikalpa which is destructive.

Bhagavatham addresses all types of seekers from beginners to advanced. As Sankhya Yogam is meant for advanced seekers, one must read it repeatedly and understand it very deeply.