Significance of The mind
The mind is a central concept across various Indian philosophical traditions. In Hinduism, it embodies intellect, thought, and connection to the divine, while in Jainism, it serves as an organ of perception for understanding concepts. Tibetan Buddhism sees the mind as an internal entity that processes experiences, and Vaishnavism emphasizes its role in spiritual focus. Puranic texts describe the mind as the creator of reality and illusion. Overall, the mind is understood as a crucial cognitive faculty that shapes perceptions and experiences in multiple religious contexts.
Synonyms: Brain, Intellect, Mentality, Consciousness, Thought process, Reason, Cognition, Awareness, Mental faculties
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'The mind'
In Buddhism, the mind encompasses a mental faculty characterized by emptiness and transience, operates through sensory contact, possesses greater power than physical elements, and processes experiences, highlighting its complex nature and role in cognition.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The mental faculty that is also subject to the same principles of emptiness and transience as the other senses.[1] (2) The mind (manas) is included among the faculties that exhibit emptiness, aligning with the overall theme of the Samriddhisutra.[2] (3) Referred to as citta, it is described as having none of the characteristics of the four physical elements and possessing a greater power than them.[3]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the mental faculties that are considered operative through contact, which raises questions about cognition of distant things.[4] (2) An internal entity that processes experiences and cognition, which the eye and other sensory organs are said to assist.[5]
Hindu concept of 'The mind'
In Hinduism, the mind is a vital cognitive entity that navigates perception, connects individuals to Brahman, and influences spiritual practices. It is seen as the highest sensory organ, integral in processing thoughts and experiences.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) An entity often confused with the Self, closely related to it, but ultimately a reflection without consciousness of its own.[6] (2) The cognitive entity that navigates and interprets experiences, serving as an intermediary for the Self.[7] (3) Considered the abode or shelter where experiences are processed and stored.[8] (4) The fourth part of Brahman's 'foot,' recognized as the repository of experiences and perceptions gathered through the other senses.[9] (5) The cognitive function through which thinking processes occur, utilized by the other organs while the organ of vision was absent.[10]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The mental faculty that does not contact the object or its appearance, and ultimately does not engage directly with entities.[11] (2) Refers to the faculty of consciousness and thought, particularly in relation to understanding and cognition.[12] (3) Refers to the cognitive aspect of human beings that is engaged in perception and understanding, emphasizing that it is not originated.[13] (4) The aspect of an individual that is responsible for thoughts, feelings, and consciousness, highlighted in the context of being active or inactive.[14] (5) Refers to the mental state or consciousness that is capable of experiencing thoughts and emotions.[15]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The Principle of the Cosmos, suggesting a universal consciousness or intelligence.[16] (2) The cognitive faculty that perceives, thinks, and understands.[17] (3) The mental faculty involved in thought, experience, and memory, described as struggling to perceive Brahman.[18]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The faculty of perception and thought which, according to the text, is not subject to birth or change.[19] (2) A central concept that perceives objects, which is argued to neither be born nor produced.[20]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The cognitive faculties responsible for thought, perception, memory, and consciousness that are still in the context of the highest state.[21] (2) The mind is described as a higher level of awareness that exists beyond the basic sensory experiences, playing a critical role in perception and understanding.[22]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The faculties of consciousness and perception that control the senses and are said to be the highest sense, becoming one with the highest Deva during sleep.[23]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The faculty that functions in activities such as resolve and remembrance, recognized as a key sense organ.[24]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Referred to as manas, it represents the cognitive aspect of a person that processes thoughts and emotions.[25]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Both mind and intelligence are connoted here, serving as the instrument through which thinking occurs.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) In this context, the mind is considered a symbol of Brahman during meditation.[27]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) One of the factors essential to consciousness and thought, comprising part of the four-factored foot of Brahman.[28]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Described as the calf of the cow, speech; it plays a crucial role in stimulating the secretion of spiritual nourishment.[29]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The mind is one of the sensory organs born from the purusha and is considered to be conditioned by name and form, thus rendering it a modification tied to ignorance.[30]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The mind (buddhi), in this context, is described as the intellect that processes experiences and knowledge but is itself considered inert (jada) and does not independently possess the capability to know.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The mind is described as the ruler of the five elements and is considered the soul of the elements, presiding over them.[32] (2) Refers to mental state, with Yudhishthira indicating its role in virtues associated with control and restraint.[33] (3) The mind creates numerous ideas of objects or existent things within itself.[34] (4) The aspect of consciousness associated with thinking, awareness, and understanding.[35]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The faculty of thought and perception that can either connect or disconnect individuals from their true nature as Brahma.[36] (2) Described as the source of illusion, the root of experiences and the cause of all desires that need to be renounced.[37] (3) The mind is portrayed as a powerful entity capable of creating its own reality, often leading to fallacies and misinterpretations of the world.[38] (4) The Mind is described as the cause of all creations, indestructible by nature, and integral to the process of creation and perception.[39]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The eleventh sense, which is considered central to understanding and creation.[40]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Described as the ladle for offerings, it requires knowable elements for its functioning and is considered the key instrument of knowledge.[41]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Referred to as the best of the senses, it is vital for offering one's activities to Shri Bhagavan through remembrance.[42] (2) The mental faculty that plays a crucial role in focusing one's thoughts and intentions towards spiritual practices.[43] (3) Manasah; refers to the cognitive aspect that can be composed or fixed for spiritual practices.[44]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the speaker's thoughts and feelings, indicating a focus or obsession with the addressed person's arms.[45] (2) The mind refers to the internal decision-making aspect of Lord Krishna as he placed his thoughts on the transformation.[46]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The conscious part of being that processes thoughts and feelings, often entangled with physical existence.[47]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A divine entity invoked during the rituals for wisdom, life, and connection with the living.[48] (2) Another aspect of Agni which, when known, grants thoughtful understanding.[49] (3) Symbolically represented by the moon, it is connected to speech and intellect.[50] (4) The intellectual aspect connected to the spiritual act of worship and sacrifice.[51] (5) A crucial element fashioned out of Vayu, representing intellect and thought, further embodied in the Rishi Bharadvaja.[52]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The mental space where ideas or concepts are thought of, in this case triggered by the speaker's words.[53] (2) The cognitive faculty that perceives and interprets differences, which is critical in determining the nature of comparison and identity.[54] (3) Represents cognitive processing wherein names and their meanings are understood and recalled.[55]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The Mind is regarded as the eleventh sense, characterized by its own quality of volition and desire.[56] (2) A creation of Brahma that partakes in the nature of existence and non-existence, essential for the process of creation.[57] (3) The mind is described as the instigator of all actions connected with the body, influencing intentions and conceptualizations of actions, whether good or bad.[58]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The mental aspect that contributes to the choices and experiences of the embodied soul.[59]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The aspect of consciousness that enables perception and reflects both the Atman and external objects.[60]
Jain concept of 'The mind'
In Jainism, the mind encompasses an individual’s mental processes and thoughts as part of the 'yoga' activities and serves as an organ of perception, enabling the understanding of concepts without physical interaction.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The mental processes and thoughts of an individual that form part of the threefold nature of activity known as 'yoga'.[61] (2) An organ of perception that can apprehend objects without physical contact, allowing for the cognition of concepts and thoughts.[62]
The concept of The mind in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "The mind" emphasizes its role as a complex human capacity for thought, imagination, and emotion. It significantly impacts overall well-being, governed by will and concentration, highlighting its importance in personal development and mental health.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The complex and powerful human capacity for thought and imagination, which influences emotions and overall well-being, controlled by will and concentration.[63]