Waywardness; distracted or diffused mind that obstructs concentration; projecting. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Waywardness; the mind seeks to run after external objects and so, constant effort is needed to turn it inwards, away from the attractions of sensory impressions. This has to be done through the rigorous exercise of the intellect, of Inquiry. The mind is anxious to go again into the outer world from the Atman where it takes refuge. Vikshepa is this mental attitude, the urge to run back into the world from one’s shelter. The removal of Vikshepa alone will help the concentration of the mind in Dhyanam. (JV, p. 4)

Each human being has three errors to correct: Mala, Vikshepa and Avarana. Mala is the basic Ajnana, or ignorance, which makes the tenth man (who counts the other nine and does not know that he is the tenth) declare that there is no tenth man. This Ajnana, or Mala is miasma that causes the declaration, Avarana. And, Vikshepa is the effect of that ignorance which makes all the ten search in the river, for the lost man. Mala is the consequence of karma, in this and in previous lives. This can be removed by Nishkama karma (activity with no attachment to the consequent benefit or loss). The Avarna effect can be overcome by the cultivation of Sahana (tolerance), and anyonyatha (feeling of belonging to one another). If only the ten were together by mutual solidarity no one would have been taken as missing! So too, Vikshepa can be conquered by prema or love. (SSS Vol.7, p. 131)

The second distortion of the mind called Vikshepa is due to the constant wavering of the mind, like the movements of the reflected image in a mirror that is kept moving or shaking frequently. To control this waywardness of the mind, one should undertake various practices like meditation, prayer and the nine modes of devotion mentioned in Scriptures, Viz.,

1) Shravanam - listening to the Lord’s stories, Leelas and Mahatmas;

2) Kirtanam - singing His glories;

3) Smaranam – remembrance;

4) Pada Sevanam - service to the Lotus Feet;

5) Archanam-worship;

6) Vandanam - salutation;

7) Dasyam - master servant relationship;

8) Sakhyam – companionship;

9) Atma nivedanam - offering oneself to the Lord i.e. Self-surrender. (ICS, p. 90)

Vikshepa is the projection that is superimposed on the unchanging basis. The form that delusion takes in the mind is Vikshepa, second powerful force of Maya. (DBG, p. 240)