On Mind (मन)
Where does mind exist? Is it a part of my brain? Is it a separate entity? how does it function?
The mind is often a mystery, thought to be somewhere in the brain, yet intangible. This workshop offers a clear model, placing the mind (मन) as a specific faculty of the conscious Self (जीवन), not the physical brain (मेधस).
The जीवन (consciousness) is described as having a structure of five interconnected faculties:
मन (Perception or Interactive Mind): The faculty of tasting (आस्वादन) and selecting (चयन). It interfaces with the body's senses and seeks pleasurable sensations.
वृत्ति (Intellect or Discerning Mind): The faculty of analyzing (विश्लेषण) and comparing (तुलन).
चित्त (Psyche or Visualising Mind): The faculty of imagination/visualization (चित्रण) and contemplation (चिंतन). This is where desires take shape.
बुद्धि (Intuition or Cognitive Mind): The faculty of determination and knowing (बोध) the truth.
आत्मा (Soul): The faculty of experiencing (अनुभव) reality as it is.
The brain (मेधस) is the physical hardware that the मन uses to receive signals from the senses and send commands to the body, but the मन itself is a non-physical activity of the जीवन. In a state of confusion, our मन acts as the master, dependent on external stimuli. In an awakened state, the मन acts as a regulated faculty, guided by the higher faculties of वृत्ति, चित्त, and बुद्धि, leading to stable happiness instead of fleeting pleasure.
Related: Consciousness, Emotions, Desire, Ego
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