We use the word “Mind” in daily life for our convenience. The word mind does not accommodate the circumference of the various concepts in Yoga. Due to limitation of words, we are also using Sanskrit terms to make understanding of exact meaning. In yogig term, Mind separately is not a holistic understanding rather, terms such as Indriya (इन्द्रिय), Manah (मन), Buddhi (बुध्दि) need to conceptualized and understood beforehand. In terms of “who governs whom”; Manah governs the Indriya; Buddhi governs the Manah and so on. The profoundness of Buddhi is governed by Keshatrajya (क्षेत्रज्ञ), an ultimate being. With these denominations, we need to build holistic understanding of mind.
On the overarching framework of mind discussed above, Jeevan Vigyan US at this stage is specifically focused on physiological aspect mind along with some aspects its beyond.
The concept of the mind is a complex and multifaceted one, and its nature has been a subject of philosophical, psychological, and scientific inquiry for centuries. The definition and understanding of the mind can vary depending on the perspective, but in general, the mind can be described as:
Consciousness and Awareness: The mind is often associated with consciousness and awareness. It’s the part of an individual that perceives, thinks, reasons, and experiences emotions. It encompasses our thoughts, feelings, and subjective experiences.
Thinking and Cognition: The mind is where cognitive processes occur, including thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It’s responsible for processing information, forming beliefs, and generating ideas.
Emotions and Feelings: Emotions and feelings are an integral part of the mind. The mind processes and generates emotions, which can influence our behavior and perception of the world.
Memory and Learning: The mind is involved in memory storage and retrieval, as well as the process of learning. It allows us to retain knowledge and experiences and build upon them over time.
Subconscious and Unconscious: The mind also includes aspects that are not immediately accessible to conscious awareness. This includes the subconscious mind, which may store hidden memories and influences behavior, and the unconscious mind, which may contain deeper psychological processes and motivations.
Subjectivity: The mind is inherently subjective, meaning that it is unique to each individual. It shapes our perception of reality and how we interpret the world around us.
Interface with the Brain: In neuroscience, the mind is closely linked to the brain. While the brain is the physical organ responsible for processing information and generating thoughts and emotions, the mind is often considered the subjective and mental aspect of these processes.
Conscious and Unconscious Mind: Some theories distinguish between the conscious mind, which includes thoughts and experiences that are in our immediate awareness, and the unconscious mind, which holds hidden or repressed thoughts and memories that can influence behavior.
It’s important to note that the concept of the mind is not fully understood, and different philosophical, psychological, and scientific traditions have offered various perspectives on its nature. Additionally, the relationship between the mind and the brain remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.