Significance of Mental states
Mental state is a significant concept across various philosophical and religious traditions, notably Buddhism, Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and others. It encompasses emotional and cognitive experiences that affect one's focus, behavior, and interpersonal relations. Different schools interpret mental states as conditions influenced by factors like desire, anger, and delusion, often exploring their impact on spiritual progression and self-awareness. Through meditation and mindfulness, individuals can gain insights into their mental states, facilitating personal growth and understanding of their deeper consciousness.
Synonyms: Psychological condition, Emotional state, Mental condition, Psychological state, Frame of mind, Disposition
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 states'
In Buddhism, the mental state encompasses various forms of consciousness, emotional conditions, and cognitive activities influencing perception and actions. It highlights the interplay of mental conditions, emphasizing mindfulness, clarity, and the transient nature of thoughts and emotions.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Various conditions of the mind that include different feelings, thoughts, and responses.[1] (2) Refers to the various forms of awareness and psychological experiences within the context.[2] (3) Various conditions of the mind classified into specific categories that are either fixed or unfixed regarding their occurrence in consciousness.[3] (4) Various psychological conditions or qualities that arise within consciousness, influencing thoughts and actions.[4] (5) Various psychological phenomena or conditions such as thoughts, emotions, and consciousness that arise within an individual's mind.[5]
From: The Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) States derived from the interplay of consciousness and mental properties.[6] (2) Refers to the condition of the mind at any moment, which can influence subsequent mental events.[7] (3) These are the various forms of mental activities or conditions that accompany consciousness, which become indistinguishable when coalesced with their respective conscious experiences.[8] (4) Cognitive and emotional conditions that are causally related to various material qualities.[9] (5) Refer to the eleven combinations produced by the ten concomitants in relation to the classes of consciousness.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Refers to the various conditions and processes of the mind that arise during rebirth and existence, influencing the sixfold base.[11] (2) Various cognitive and emotional conditions that arise based on prior states within the framework of dependent origination.[12] (3) Cognitive conditions that require precise translation to maintain their Associations and meanings in English.[13] (4) Refers to the various conditions of mind that arise within the context of becoming and the Buddhas' understanding of these states.[14] (5) The non-physical aspects of experience, including feelings and thoughts, integral to meditation.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The psychological conditions of individuals, which can hinder their recovery from physical ailments and contribute to suffering.[16] (2) Mental states refer to various states of mind that are associated with volition, specifically described as sankhara.[17] (3) The condition of the mind, likened to the state when a person is sound asleep.[18] (4) The varying conditions and consciousness experiences that occur within each life, influencing beliefs about existence.[19] (5) Various conditions of mind, such as joy or irritation, that may shift and influence perception and experience.[20]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Defined in the context of samadhi or concentration as one-pointedness of mind.[21] (2) The various emotions and thoughts that affect an individual's mental well-being.[22] (3) Refers to the emotional state of an individual, which plays a crucial role in their experience and actions.[23]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Included terms such as greed and hate, which are easily developed but are of little value.[24] (2) Various states of mind cultivated by the devas and Brahmas leading to their awakening and realization.[25]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The condition of the mind, which is directly related to both organic and factional diseases according to recent developments in medicine.[26]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Sankhara khandha refers to the aggregate of mental properties and states that make up consciousness and affect the behavior of living entities.[27]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Refers to the various conditions of the mind that influence our perceptions and actions, which can change due to mindfulness and understanding.[28]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The condition or quality of the mind that is influenced by greed, desire, and other emotions.[29] (2) Refers to the inner thoughts and emotions of beings, particularly concerning the understanding of the Tathagata.[30]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) A condition of the mind that the good person aims to remain untouched by, specifically avoiding deviant or misleading thoughts.[31] (2) Emotional or cognitive conditions that either lead to clarity and insight or to confusion and delusion, particularly in the realms of love and desire.[32]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Various psychological conditions and attitudes that can arise during the pursuit of spiritual development.[33]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Mental states, such as desire, anger, and delusion, are explored to understand their transitory and conditioned nature.[34]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) The conditions or qualities of the mind that can be either wholesome or unwholesome.[35]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The various conditions (like anger, greed, and delusion) that arise in the mind and can lead to a decline in one's human nature.[36] (2) Various emotional and cognitive experiences that can arise during meditation, which may disrupt focus.[37]
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The various conditions or modes of consciousness that are perceived through the mind, often considered in contrast to states of external reality.[38]
Hindu concept of 'Mental states'
In Hinduism, the mental state encompasses meditation conditions, psychological interactions, consciousness levels, and emotional experiences. It significantly influences spiritual practices such as Samadhi and embodies a person's reflective, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The inner cognitive or psychological configurations that are associated with the understanding and practice of mantras, emphasizing a deeper comprehension of their significance.[39] (2) A specific condition of awareness or consciousness characterized by thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.[40] (3) Specific cognitive conditions that can be associated with the mantras of the Vedas, allowing for the eternal nature of the Vedas to be proved.[41] (4) The condition of the mind which can modify consciousness but does not affect its fundamental nature.[42] (5) States of mind that are illuminated by consciousness, making the repetition of mantras possible only when viewed as such.[43]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The condition of the mind that influences the ability to reach higher truths through Samadhi.[44]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) States of consciousness that can manifest as thoughts or experiences, particularly in the dream context.[45]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A person's current emotional and cognitive condition.[46]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Refers to the consciousness and thoughts of all beings, acknowledged by the divine as a significant area of consideration.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The current psychological condition or level of consciousness that can be traversed through Samyama.[48] (2) The psychological conditions that arise from the interaction of the mind with past experiences and external stimuli.[49] (3) The current emotional or psychological condition of an individual, which can be analyzed through the knowledge of other minds.[50]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the condition of the mind during meditation, particularly when it is brought together thoroughly and centered.[51]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A category of experiences and cognitive processes, including sleep, which can be distinguished from wakefulness and dreams.[52]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The emotional and psychological condition of the Alvar, reflecting feelings of desolation and longing.[53] (2) The emotional or spiritual condition of the divine bard during moments of ecstasy.[54] (3) The reflective and contemplative condition of the Alvar as he remembered his past experiences with the Lord.[55] (4) Refers to the condition of the Alvar's mind, which he attributes to his sins and the overwhelming nature of the divine traits.[56]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The condition of the mind which is characterized by the presence of bhava.[57]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Various conditions or feelings that occur in one's mind, reflecting their emotional well-being.[58]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The condition of Prahlada's mind, which was absorbed in meditation and characterized by tranquility and insensibility.[59]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the various psychological conditions, including emotions and thoughts, that influence behavior and perception.[60]
Jain concept of 'Mental states'
In Jainism, "mental state" encompasses various emotional and psychological conditions, addressing delusion, conception, and hate, which significantly influence an individual's ethical conduct and spiritual development.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Various emotional and psychological conditions explored, including delusion, conception, and hate.[61]
The concept of 'Mental states' in local and regional sources
Mental state encompasses various conditions of mind, such as beliefs and desires, that shape self-knowledge and directly impact individual experiences and life outcomes. Understanding mental state is crucial for grasping personal perspectives and behaviors.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The condition of one’s mind, which directly influences their experiences and outcomes in life.[62]
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) Particular conditions of mind that include beliefs, desires, and sensations, which are important for understanding self-knowledge.[63]