Significance of Mind
The concept of Mind is explored through various philosophical and spiritual frameworks, each offering unique interpretations. In Buddhism, Mind pertains to consciousness and perception's spiritual states. Hinduism views it as a cognitive and emotional driving force linked to creation. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes its unchangeable essence, while Vaishnavism associates it with devotion and thoughts affecting one's spiritual journey. Similarly, Vedanta describes Mind as the cognitive faculty impacting experiences and perception. Overall, Mind serves as a critical element in understanding consciousness across different traditions.
Synonyms: Brain, Intellect, Consciousness, Awareness, Mentality, Reason, Perception, Cognition
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mind'
In Buddhism, Mind (citta) is an intricate concept encompassing unchangeable nature, consciousness, awareness, and perception. It is pivotal for enlightenment, influencing outcomes through thoughts, while distinct from sensory experiences. Mind is both a powerful force and a transformative factor.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The cognitive and perceptive aspect of an individual, integral to the experience of enlightenment and understanding of reality.[1] (2) Referred to as citta, it is the center of awareness and cognizance in which patience is manifested.[2] (3) The mind (citta) is described as having none of the four sensory properties, allowing it greater power compared to the four great elements.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The concept understood by the Precious kar ma pa to have an unchangeable nature that he meditated upon.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The concept that is distinct from the 'eye' and is acknowledged as a separate entity that can be regarded as permanent or impermanent based on the context of the argument.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The mental aspect involved in taming oneself to achieve enlightenment.[6]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Mind is a powerful composite factor capable of producing material phenomena. Good and bad thoughts result in desirable and undesirable outcomes, respectively, and various types of consciousness can give rise to mind-born material phenomena from the moment of rebirth.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The faculty of consciousness and perception, often regarded in various states within spiritual discourse.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Mind'
In Hinduism, the Mind embodies various roles: it shapes desires, controls senses, connects spirit to matter, and influences cognitive experiences. It's essential for liberation yet lacks consciousness itself, serving as an intricate link to both divine and mundane realms.
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The faculty of consciousness and thought that influences man’s bondage and liberation.[9] (2) The mind is the mental faculty where thoughts, reflections, and meditative practices occur, especially in the context of perceiving Brahman.[10] (3) The mind is described as the only cause that brings about man’s bondage or Liberation.[11] (4) The aspect of consciousness and thought processes, which the speaker claims not to be limited by.[12] (5) The cognitive faculties that enable perception, thought, and awareness, which reacts to the impressions from both the inner and outer world.[13]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The cognitive aspect of a being, which processes experiences and can affect the nature of perception.[14] (2) Considered as an infinite entity and a priest (Brahman) that serves as the medium for the aspirant to connect with higher realms.[15]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Referred to as nidhana, this organ is considered the highest and most superior, capable of grasping concepts beyond the reach of the other organs.[16] (2) The mental faculties or consciousness that serve as the abode or center for experiences from the senses.[17]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Referred to as 'Nidhana', this is where all sensory experiences are stored, and is the most extensive in its operations among the organs.[18]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A layer of existence related to thought and perception that affects the understanding of the self.[19]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A pervasive attribute from the illustrious Being, associated with Candramas.[20] (2) The aspect of existence that cheerfully swallows up the immeasurable Space, indicating a higher integration of elements.[21]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Regarded as the leader and controller of the senses, guiding thoughts and actions of the jiva.[22] (2) The cognitive function that can experience illusions and attachments, typically tied to the body's sensations.[23]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Mati, another feminine noun whose vocative form is also mentioned, illustrating its variations.[24]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The cognitive entity that can manifest creations from its inherent power.[25]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Addressed by the Alvar, indicative of one’s thoughts or mental state which needs to remain persevering for spiritual elevation.[26] (2) Represents the speaker's thoughts and feelings, particularly in connection to their devotion and worship of the Lord.[27] (3) The mental perspective through which the narrator wishes to be understood, especially in regard to seeing the Lord.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The cognitive faculty; in the context, it suggests that one's thoughts should be solely occupied with devotional service rather than mundane matters.[29] (2) The mental faculty that influenced by the Supreme Lord's wishes, leading to various actions by individuals.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the mental state or thoughts of Kalanemi, which influenced his desire for battle.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The entity created by Brahma that serves as the basis for creation, often associated with intelligence and consciousness.[32]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Represents cognitive abilities and thoughts, included as part of the ceremonial invocations.[33]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) An instrument that facilitates cognition and perception but is itself described as lacking consciousness, categorized alongside body and sense-organs.[34] (2) An entity that possesses certain qualities like Taste and Gravity while excluding Colour and Touch.[35]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The cognitive and emotional aspect of beings, considered as a subsequent creation arising from the wind.[36] (2) Indicates the mental aspect that drives the offerer of Agnihotra, allowing no staying away from home.[37]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The aspect of consciousness that pervades all beings, connecting them to divine attributes.[38]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) cetah—refers to the consciousness or mental state involved in the experience described.[39]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The agent that connects the spirit with the sentient organism and influences the development of the embryo through its varied states and dispositions.[40]
The concept of Mind in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Mind" denotes the author's exceptional intellectual capacity and ability to engage with historical thinkers, highlighting a deep understanding and insight within his work, as suggested by regional sources.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A reference to the profound intellectual capacity and insight of the author, suggesting he can engage with the greatest thinkers of history.[41]