Vikalpa

Vikalpa

विकल्प, vikalpa

(from vi – "to change" and kalpa – "order, structure"; "time period")

"diversity", "difference in perception";

"a thought form" or "fantasy"

These are thought-constructions, they are not something negative, they are part of our highest nature, a manifestation of Jnana-shakti. But the divine Shakti is dual, it is both a means of salvation and something that can create illusions for the ignorants. Illusions often manifest themselves in the form of mind (vikalpas). Yogi must overcome the illusory influence of the mind, focusing on the unmanifested and non-dual state.