Significance of Tranquil mind

Tranquil mind, as understood across various traditions, signifies a calm and undisturbed mental state that enhances clarity, wisdom, and spiritual connection. In Buddhism and Purana, it is associated with mental peace, allowing deeper concentration and contentment. This state is crucial for effective spiritual practices and teaching, as showcased by figures like Yudhishthira and Devavrata. Various approaches, from meditation in Yoga to emotional clarity in Theravada, emphasize achieving tranquility for personal growth and understanding, illustrating its fundamental importance in achieving inner peace.

Synonyms: Calm mind, Peaceful mind, Serene mind, Composed mind, Untroubled mind, Relaxed mind, Placid mind

In Dutch: Rustige geest; In Finnish: Rauhallinen mieli; In Spanish: Mente tranquila; In German: Ruhiger Geist

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Tranquil mind'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, a tranquil mind signifies a peaceful and settled state, fostering clarity and understanding of the law. It embodies emotional clarity, calmness through concentration, and undisturbed mental peace, enhancing wisdom amidst suffering.

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

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The state of mind Tissa achieved after being cared for and bathed by the Buddha, representing emotional clarity and peace amidst physical suffering.[1] (2) A state of mental calmness and peace achieved through concentration.[2]

From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)

(1) A tranquil mind is described as a state of peace that allows for greater clarity in understanding the law.[3]

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: Bodhinyana

(1) A state of the mind that is calm and undisturbed, leading to enhanced clarity and wisdom.[4]

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) The ministers saw the prince seated with this and calmly controlled faculties.[5]

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

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) A mind that is calm and settled, free from scattered thoughts.[6]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Tranquil mind'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, a Tranquil mind is characterized by peace, calmness, and freedom from disturbances. It fosters effective teaching, deep concentration in spiritual practices, and aids in achieving mental serenity essential for spiritual growth and contentment.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) A state of mental peace and serenity that allows an individual to experience spiritual connection and contentment.[7] (2) Indicates Bhusunda's peaceful state of mind, free from agitation or disturbance.[8] (3) A mind that is calm and composed, free from the disturbances of pleasure and pain, leading to true contentment.[9] (4) A peaceful and undisturbed mental state necessary for spiritual practice.[10]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) A tranquil mind is how Sita is described as she ascends the chariot, indicating her composure and acceptance of her fate as she accompanies Rama into banishment, displaying inner peace.[11] (2) Tranquil mind is a state in which Rama reclined with his Videhan, suggesting a state of peace and composure during a religious practice.[12] (3) This describes a person's mental state, suggesting they are calm, serene, and free from anxiety or disturbance, possessing inner peace.[13]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) This describes Agastya, who provided information about the brothers, highlighting his state of composure and wisdom.[14] (2) Refers to the calmness that Bibishana urges Ravana to maintain while addressing the situation.[15]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A state of peace and calmness achieved by Yudhishthira after receiving comfort from the sages.[16]

From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya

(1) A state of peacefulness in thought and feeling.[17]

From: Bhagavadgita

(1) A peaceful and calm state of mind that allows for deeper concentration on spiritual practices.[18]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) A state of calmness in the teacher's mind, essential for effective knowledge transfer.[19] (2) A state of calmness and serenity achieved when the mind is free from emotional disturbances and confusion (tamas).[20]

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).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) A state of calmness and peace of mind that is desired before undergoing purification procedures.[21]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Tranquil mind'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, a Tranquil mind signifies achieving inner peace, where individuals can practice penance amidst worldly pleasures, reflecting a state of spiritual calmness and self-control despite external distractions.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Tranquil minds are the state of being of people who could find a place for penance even in pleasure-grounds, indicating inner peace.[22]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Tranquil mind in local and regional sources

History Books

Tranquil mind, as referenced in the text, describes Chobeji's quest to understand disruptions in his peace, ultimately traced to another's emotional expression, showcasing the influence of external factors on internal serenity.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Chobeji, seeking the cause of the disturbance to his tranquil mind, discovered a man singing in front of the God, overwhelmed with his own feelings.[23]