Significance of Mind consciousness

Mind consciousness, as defined across various philosophical traditions, represents a complex cognitive process involved in perception, thought, and awareness. It encompasses the ability to analyze sensory experiences, integrate memories, and perceive reality beyond immediate stimuli. In Buddhism, this consciousness is integral to understanding self and cognition, while in Vedanta, it signifies a higher awareness leading to liberation. Additionally, Mind consciousness also includes mental processes essential for navigating moral actions and synthesizing experiences, highlighting its nuanced role in personal and spiritual development.

Synonyms: Awareness, Perception, Cognition, Mindfulness, Consciousness, Mental awareness, Alertness, Sentience, Thoughtfulness, Mentality

In Dutch: Geestelijk bewustzijn; In Finnish: Mielen tietoisuus; In Spanish: Conciencia mental; In German: Geistbewusstsein; In Malay: Kesedaran minda; In Swedish: Sinnemedvetande; In German: Geistiges Bewusstsein; In French: Conscience mentale; In Portugese: Consciência mental; In Italian: Coscienza mentale; In Polish: Świadomość umysłu; In Finnish: Mielitietoisuus

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 consciousness'

Buddhism Books

Mind consciousness in Buddhism encompasses various aspects of cognitive awareness, processing sensory experiences, and distinguishing mental phenomena, reflecting on their impermanence and voidness, which ultimately contributes to understanding self and moral actions.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The dharmas that are the object of the mental consciousness are inner dharmas, according to the text.[1] (2) This is one of the characteristics of consciousness, and it perceives dharmas. It also seizes dharmas as a characteristic of object.[2] (3) The state of consciousness associated with mental experiences and processes.[3] (4) The consciousness (manovijnana) that includes the cognition of the mind (manas) and associated dharmas.[4] (5) Manovijnana signifies the type of consciousness associated with the mind's ability to distinguish and label experiences, contrasting with the five sensory consciousnesses that interact with external dharmas.[5]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The consciousness that is part of the eighteen realms, and it is one of the six consciousnesses that connect the six sense organs with the six sense objects.[6] (2) This is one of the six consciousnesses, the others being seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching, which are part of the eighteen realms.[7] (3) The level of consciousness that involves thoughts and mental processes.[8] (4) The highest realm of awareness, related to thoughts and mental processes.[9] (5) The specific awareness or consciousness that arises from the interaction between the mind and the conditions established by dharmas.[10]

From: Abhidharmakośa

(1) The awareness stemming from the mental faculties, including thoughts and perceptions.[11]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This is a specific type of consciousness, and it is related to the sphere of total reality, with the understanding that the sphere of total reality does not have the essential characteristic of recognition of moments of existence.[12]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) Self is the eye-consciousness down to mental consciousness, and that all things are phantoms, due to what originally was not is what now is.[13]

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.

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

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) A form of consciousness that emerges from the mind door and is dependent on the mental stimuli or objects observed by the mind.[14] (2) Mind-Consciousness refers to the cognitive processes that contribute to the perception of self and the world.[15] (3) Mind-Consciousness refers to the cognitive awareness that arises as a result of various conditions being met, often described as the process that gives rise to the notion of self.[16] (4) The aspect of the Mind responsible for synthesizing experiences, connecting different mental states.[17] (5) The aspect of consciousness that creates illusions and delusions, personified as Mara, the King of Darkness.[18]

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) Mind consciousness is the element summarizing the seven consciousness elements, and it includes eye-consciousness, and it is diverse and multifaceted.[19] (2) A complex form of consciousness that encompasses multiple types and functions, particularly in relation to thought and mental events.[20] (3) The aspect of awareness that is investigated to reveal its voidness and impermanence.[21]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The text mentions mind-consciousness arising through the subconscious mind, the mind-object, and attention.[22] (2) The awareness and thought processes associated with moral or immoral actions (kamma).[23]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) The aspect of awareness involved in action, influencing the quality and outcome of Kamma based on mental intentions.[24] (2) Consciousness that occurs within the realm of thought and cognition.[25]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The awareness or consciousness that arises from the mind, which is explored in the conversation and regarded as impermanent.[26]

From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada

(1) The awareness associated with thoughts, feelings, and mental activities.[27]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) Refers to the awareness and perception aspect of the individual, classified as an Ultimate Truth.[28]

From: Cetasikas

(1) This arises because of mind and mental states and is one of the six classes of consciousness to be understood in the teachings.[29]

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 Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The aspect of consciousness that processes and integrates sensory experience and mental formations, gradually dissolving in deeper states of awareness.[30] (2) The aspect of consciousness that remembers or recalls objects and experiences.[31] (3) The aspect of consciousness that arises when fixation on perceived objects occurs.[32] (4) The aspect of consciousness that arises from the analysis of objects after their initial conception.[33] (5) The cognitive process that analyzes and reflects upon the objects perceived by the senses.[34]

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Indicates the cognitive functions and processes that are considered independent of the Body in the discussion of consciousness and its origins.[35] (2) A type of consciousness that is considered independent and exists based on its own cause, distinct from sensory input.[36]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Mind consciousness'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Mind consciousness represents the heightened awareness achieved beyond astral states, guiding individuals toward liberation from worldly influences and rebirth, while encompassing overall cognitive functions tied to perception and duality.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) Refers to the overall awareness or cognitive function of the mind in relation to perception and duality.[37] (2) The awareness and mental processes that, when not influenced by worldly causes, lead to liberation from bondage and rebirth.[38]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The state of awareness that arises after transcending the astral consciousness during the journey through various planes.[39]

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).

The concept of Mind consciousness in local and regional sources

History Books

Mind consciousness is a state of awareness shaped by thoughts and memories, part of Lawrence's dual consciousness, and represents individual perspectives, contrasting with higher states of consciousness that promote a sense of unity.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The text suggests that despite having gained mental consciousness topped by occasional glimmers of the intuitive mind, man is certainly not the supreme creature in creation.[40] (2) The state of awareness typically limited to individual perspectives, contrasted with higher states of consciousness that encompass unity.[41] (3) A state of awareness influenced by the flow of thoughts, memories, and consciousness of time, which meditation seeks to transcend.[42] (4) The other half of Lawrence's dual consciousness characterized by reasoning, abstraction, and self-awareness.[43]

The concept of Mind consciousness in scientific sources

Science Books

Mind consciousness arises from a prior consciousness moment and needs a thought-object for focus. It's the awareness and cognitive processing that depends on preceding mental states and specific objects of thought.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) Mental consciousness refers to the structure within individuals that receives and processes objective reality, forming the basis for understanding and interpreting the social world.[44] (2) Mental consciousness, or mano-vijnana, is one of the eight consciousnesses in the Yogacara tradition, providing a nuanced framework for understanding mental phenomena.[45] (3) "Mind-consciousness" is a key concept through which Chinese Buddhist thought integrates the diversity of phenomena, creating a framework for understanding the relationship between humans and all things.[46] (4) It arises from a preceding and extinguishing moment of consciousness as the main cause. It requires the associated thought‑object on which the focus of the thinking mind rests as an additional condition.[47]