Significance of Calm mind

Calm mind is depicted across various philosophical and spiritual traditions as a vital state of mental tranquility and stability. According to Purana, it is essential for effective Yoga practice and signifies composure amidst challenges. In Yoga, it emerges from the stilling of thoughts and leads to inner peace. Vedanta emphasizes its role in meditation and self-realization, while Dharmashastra highlights its importance for respect during rituals. Overall, a calm mind is crucial for achieving clarity, deeper insights, and overall well-being.

Synonyms: Tranquil mind, Peaceful mind, Serene mind, Composed mind, Relaxed mind, Collected mind, Clear mind, Quiet mind

In Dutch: Kalme geest; In Finnish: Rauhallinen mieli; In Spanish: Mente tranquila; In German: Ruhiger Geist; In Swedish: Lugnt sinne; In Malay: Fikiran tenang; In French: Esprit calme; In Swedish: Lugna sinnet; In Portugese: Mente calma; In Italian: Mente calma; In Polish: Spokojny umysł

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Calm mind'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, a Calm mind signifies a state of equanimity devoid of attachment and judgment, reflecting the thoughts of Buddhas. It is essential for perceiving truth and attaining Nibbana, maintaining steadiness amidst life's fluctuations.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A state of mind that remains steady and unshaken, crucial for experiencing the truth and achieving Nibbana.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Calm minds are what the thoughts of the Buddhas are always like, indicating a state of equanimity and freedom from attachment and judgment, as they know that beings do not exist.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Calm mind'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, a calm mind signifies a serene mental state essential for effective Yoga and meditation practices, promoting tranquility, insight into Brahman, and composure amidst life's challenges, facilitating spiritual growth and self-realization.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) This describes a state of mental tranquility, indicating a person's composure and ability to remain serene, even amidst challenging circumstances.[3] (2) A characteristic of the monarch, indicating his ability to maintain composure and rationality.[4]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The mental state of the monkey as he plans his actions to deal with the titans.[5]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Indra advises Shaci to maintain a tranquil mind while navigating the troubles posed by Nahusha.[6]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Good advice sticks fast in the calm minds of the virtuous, entering into their reasoning souls, as the provided text describes about instruction.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) A mental state that is required for effective meditation, facilitating deeper insights into Brahman.[8] (2) A state of mental tranquility necessary for an effective meditation practice, allowing deeper insights into the nature of Brahman.[9]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A state of mental tranquility that is encouraged for meditation and understanding of Brahman.[10] (2) A state of mental tranquility that is encouraged for meditative practice.[11]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) A state of mental tranquility and peace that facilitates spiritual insight and self-realization.[12]

From: Ashtavakra Gita

(1) A stable mental state, characterized by tranquility and equanimity irrespective of life's ups and downs.[13]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A "calm mind" is essential for focusing on spiritual practices, implying a state of mental clarity and tranquility, free from distractions and conducive to reciting mantras.[14] (2) The state of mind that a person should maintain while serving food at rituals, emphasizing composure.[15] (3) A state of mental tranquility and composure, crucial for offering proper respect.[16]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) A calm mind is achieved through the practice of yoga and the stilling of both painful and not painful thought-waves, revealing the inner peace of the Atman.[17]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

The concept of Calm mind in local and regional sources

History Books

Calm mind signifies a tranquil mental state crucial for clear thinking, effective meditation, and pursuing ultimate knowledge, as it eliminates distress and confusion, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and achieve enlightenment.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A state of mental tranquility that is essential for effective meditation and realization in the practice of Mahamudra.[18] (2) A state of mental tranquility that allows for the accurate weighing of truths and is essential in the pursuit of ultimate knowledge.[19] (3) A state of tranquility that allows for clearer thinking and decision-making.[20] (4) A tranquil state of mind, free from distress and confusion, which eliminates the need for external assistance.[21]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A focused and tranquil state of mind achieved by Tuka through his worship.[22]

The concept of Calm mind in scientific sources

Science Books

Calm mind, according to regional sources and Ayurvedic frameworks, signifies mental tranquility and peace. This state is considered essential for overall health, balance, healing, and well-being.