Significance of Activity of the mind
Activity of the mind is a multifaceted concept across various philosophical traditions in India. In Buddhism, it pertains to thoughts and mental processes that diminish with meditation. Jainism views it as actions contributing to the formation of the body and karma. Vaishnavism recognizes it as functions of the mind beyond meditation, while Purana highlights mental processes leading to distraction and physical actions. Vedanta emphasizes its role in duality perception and experience. Overall, Activity of the mind is crucial in understanding mental, emotional, and spiritual dynamics across these traditions.
Synonyms: Cognition, Thought process, Mental activity, Reasoning, Reflection, Contemplation, Deliberation, Consideration, Awareness, Meditation
In Dutch: Activiteit van de geest; In Finnish: Mielen toiminta; In Spanish: Actividad de la mente; In German: Aktivität des Geistes; In Malay: Aktiviti minda; In Swedish: Sinnets aktivitet; In French: Activité de l'esprit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Activity of the mind'
In Buddhism, "Activity of the mind" denotes the ongoing stream of thoughts and emotions inherent in human experience, which diminishes with effective meditation, leading to greater mental clarity and tranquility.
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that characterize the human mental experience.[1] (2) Refers to the thoughts and mental processes that are present; this activity decreases with successful meditation.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Activity of the mind'
In Hinduism, "Activity of the mind" encompasses mental operations influencing perception, thoughts, and desires, leading to duality and distractions. It highlights the connection between mind and body and the potential for transcending duality through mental suspension.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The cognitive functioning that leads to the perception of duality, affecting how reality is experienced.[3] (2) The operations and functions of the mind that contribute to the perception of duality, which is said to vanish when the mind is inactive.[4] (3) The various thought processes and emotional responses that, according to some Yogis, lead to the experience of duality and suffering.[5] (4) The function or motion of the mind during sleep, as it traverses certain pathways, leading to the creation of dream experiences.[6] (5) The activity of the mind is responsible for the perception of duality; in its absence, such perceptions fade away.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Refers to the mental engagement or belief system associated with performing sacrificial rituals.[8] (2) The ongoing operations and functions of the mind that continue even when the physical act of speaking may cease.[9]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Describes the mental operations or engagements that influence perception and understanding.[10] (2) Refers to the functioning or processes of the mind that relate to perception and intelligence.[11]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Involves the mental processes and thoughts that the speaker distinguishes from their deeper essence.[12]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) The dynamic process through which thoughts and perceptions occur, making the mind faster than the senses.[13]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) It is a certain action of the mind, as all the words equally denote this, and another meaning is not possible in their case.[14]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The continual process of thoughts and desires perceived by the mind, often leading to distraction from the true essence.[15] (2) The mental processes that lead to physical actions, demonstrating the connection between mind and body.[16] (3) The mental processes that lead to thoughts and intentions, which function as the underlying seeds of actions.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The functioning of the Mind, which influences the activity of the Senses.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The various functions that the mind engages in, which go beyond mere meditation.[19]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The mental engagement that, when suspended, leads to the absence of divisions and sequence in thought.[20]
Jain concept of 'Activity of the mind'
In Jainism, "Activity of the mind" encompasses cognitive processes that parallel physical actions, influence karma, contribute to bodily formation, and play a vital role in yoga, illustrating the interconnectedness of mental and physical existence.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Relates to the mental aspects of activity that simulate physical existence, indicating a parallel between psychological activity and bodily activity.[21] (2) The mental operations that can lead to karma, which in turn affect the bondage associated with fiery bodies.[22] (3) Refers to mental actions that contribute to the formation of a gross body and the associated bondage.[23] (4) Cognitive processes including thought and reflection.[24] (5) The activity of mind refers to the actions performed by beings that can be categorized similarly to those of speech and body.[25]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The mental processes and thoughts that contribute to the overall concept of yoga, highlighting the threefold nature of activity.[26] (2) Includes the cognitive processes and thoughts, an essential component of yoga.[27]
The concept of Activity of the mind in local and regional sources
Activity of the mind encapsulates the collective intellectual and spiritual pursuits of ancient Indian society, reflecting how thoughts, beliefs, and creative expressions shaped their culture and philosophical foundations over time.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The inherent function of the mind is creation, and this activity involves the generation of thoughts, which manifest as words, and ultimately take the form of physical creations, illustrating the creative power of thought.[28] (2) Mind activity means creation, and the thought is followed by the word, and the word by the form, and all of this creating will have to stop.[29]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the collective intellectual and spiritual endeavors of the people in ancient India.[30]