Significance of Power of the mind
The Power of the mind holds various interpretations across different traditions. In Buddhism, it encompasses mastery over thoughts and individual capabilities influencing spiritual growth. In Purana, it refers to how thoughts affect desires and actions. Yoga associates it with achieving significant feats through knowledge. Vyakarana highlights the mind's ability to generate concepts independently. Mahayana emphasizes the bodhisattva’s mind impacting physical reality. Theravada focuses on materializing immaterial qualities, while historical perspectives underscore intellectual and creative faculties. Science views it in terms of memory retention and reproduction.
Synonyms: Mental strength, Mental power, Cognitive ability, Brain power, Intellect, Mental capacity, Psychological strength, Mind power, Intellectual prowess, Willpower, Mental fortitude, Cognitive strength.
In Dutch: Kracht van de geest; In Finnish: Mielen voima; In Spanish: El poder de la mente; In German: Kraft des Geistes; In Malay: Kuasa minda; In French: Le pouvoir de l'esprit; In Swedish: Sinnets kraft; In Polish: Siła umysłu; In Portugese: Poder da mente; In Italian: Il potere della mente
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Power of the mind'
In Buddhism, the Power of the mind encompasses the individual's inherent mental strength, influencing spiritual growth and mastery over emotions, thoughts, and the ability to manifest reality through focused concentration, exemplified by bodhisattvas.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Power of the mind (cittabala) denotes the strength and capability of one's mental faculties, which can vary based on the presence of afflictive emotions.[1] (2) The immense capability of the bodhisattva’s mind to affect physical reality, such as levitating or transforming matter.[2]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The control and mastery over one's thoughts and feelings, which the king aspired to emulate in the monks.[3]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The inherent strength and capabilities possessed by individuals that influence their spiritual progress.[4]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The ability to materialize immaterial qualities through concentration and mental focus.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Power of the mind'
In Hinduism, the Power of the mind encompasses mental strength for deeper understanding, spontaneous idea generation, perception manipulation, achievement of knowledge, and influence over desires and actions, showcasing the mind's profound capabilities.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The capability of thought that influences desires and actions.[6] (2) The capability of the mind to manipulate perceptions, extending or compressing time and creating realities from imagination.[7]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The inherent ability of an individual's cognition to conjure ideas or concepts without explicit prompting.[8] (2) The capability or strength of mental processes, which leads individuals to seek understanding beyond immediate perceptions.[9]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The capability of the mind to achieve significant feats, referred to in the context of knowledge and desirelessness.[10]
The concept of Power of the mind in local and regional sources
The "Power of the mind" encompasses the intellectual and creative abilities showcased in novels, revealing intricate ideas and emotions. This highlights the mind's capacity to generate profound literary expressions and insights.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) All work is simply to bring out the power of the mind which is already there, to wake up the soul, and the different works are like blows to bring them out, to cause these giants to wake up.[11] (2) The power of the mind is the same whether we divide it into five senses or see only one, indicating its versatility.[12]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The intellectual and creative faculties that are demonstrated in novels, reflecting complex ideas and emotions.[13]
The concept of Power of the mind in scientific sources
The "Power of the mind" emphasizes the mind's ability to store and retrieve learned information, underscoring its crucial role in memory function and cognitive performance, as highlighted by regional sources.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is believed to be a way to understand and solve challenges, eliminating the need for a Transcendent Other.[14]