Significance of Mental Attitude

Mental Attitude is a significant concept across various philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, it emphasizes positive mind states that enhance spiritual practice. Vaishnavism focuses on the emotional nuances of devotion, while Purana associates it with desires. Dharmashastra highlights the importance of mindset to understand actions and their consequences. Theravada delineates the giver's mental approach to generosity, and Indian history showcases its role in shaping perspectives and behaviors. Scientific viewpoints see mental attitude as pivotal to health and wellness, illustrating its broad impact.

Synonyms: Mental state, Disposition, Frame of mind, Perspective., Perspective, Attitude, Approach

In Dutch: Mentale houding; In Finnish: Henkinen asenne; In Spanish: Actitud mental; In German: Mentale Einstellung; In Swedish: Mental attityd; In Malay: Sikap Mental

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

Buddhist concept of 'Mental Attitude'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Mental Attitude involves the reflective mindset one adopts towards recipients of generosity and influences the effectiveness of one's giving (Dana), regardless of the recipients' relationships—dear, neutral, or hostile.

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

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The reflection and mindset that a giver should adopt towards recipients of generosity, whether they are dear, neutral, or hostile.[1]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) The mindset with which one approaches giving, determining the effectiveness of the Dana performed.[2]

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).

Hindu concept of 'Mental Attitude'

Hinduism Books

Mental Attitude in Hinduism encompasses various mindsets, including detachment from sensuality, longing for divine connection, perceptions of celestial beings, revelations of truth by Lord Vishnu, and the cultivation of understanding regarding the consequences of actions.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The mindset of the Alvar driven by the longing for God, characterized by fluctuating devotion and demand for interaction.[3] (2) The mindset or beliefs held by Vanan that Lord Vishnu dispelled, revealing the truth of divinity.[4] (3) The ways in which individuals, specifically those known as Amarars (Celestials), perceive and respond mentally to situations, which can sometimes show aberrations.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The state of mind that must be realized and cultivated to understand the rewards of actions properly; signifies the cultivation of views about the effects of good and bad deeds.[6]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The corresponding mindset linked with sexual power and pleasure, which Narayana stated he did not desire.[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.

Jain concept of 'Mental Attitude'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Mental Attitude encompasses positive states like friendliness and reverence, influencing worship outcomes and fostering meditation, ultimately contributing to spiritual well-being and engagement with the world.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The states of mind such as friendliness and reverence that foster a positive engagement with the world and spiritual practice.[8] (2) Positive traits like friendliness that contribute to unbroken meditation and spiritual well-being.[9]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Mental Attitude in local and regional sources

History Books

Mental Attitude encompasses psychological disposition shaped by various influences, affecting behavior, stress management, and decision-making. It critically impacts individual perspectives during elections, understanding complex ideas, and promotes rationalism, fostering a mindset focused on reason and positivity.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The phrase indicates that rationalism embodies a mindset focused on reason and critical thinking, rather than being a static system of beliefs.[10] (2) The state of mind necessary for understanding complex ideas, requiring openness to interpreting Blake's works beyond surface-level meanings.[11] (3) The prevailing thoughts and perspectives that influenced the candidates and delegates during the election process.[12] (4) The mindset that influences one’s current actions and future outcomes, emphasizing positive thinking.[13] (5) The way an individual perceives and responds to life's challenges, which plays a critical role in managing stress.[14]

Plural form: Mental attitudes.