Significance of Mental activity
Synonyms: Cognitive activity, Intellectual activity, Thought process, Brain function, Reasoning, Contemplation, Deliberation, Mental effort, Psychological activity, Reflection, Cognitive process, Intellectual effort, Thinking, Cognition
In Dutch: Mentale activiteit; In Finnish: Henkinen toiminta; In Spanish: Actividad mental; In German: Geistige Aktivit盲t; In Swedish: Mental aktivitet; In Malay: Aktiviti mental; In French: Activit茅 mentale; In Finnish: Mielentoiminta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mental activity'
In Buddhism, mental activity encompasses cognitive processes like thought and awareness, influenced by bhavanga and mind objects. It involves generating emotions and intentions, achieving meditation's restful state, and reflects complex interactions within consciousness.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The complex processes of thought, imagination, and will that include bhavanga citta and other forms of consciousness.[1] (2) Mental activity involves the processes of thought, awareness, and cognition, which are dependent on bhavanga, avajjana, and mind objects.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The cognitive process engaged by the Buddha as he prepared for utter cessation through meditation.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Resting of the mind's activities during meditation.[4]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) Mental activity is not brought about through recollection of the Buddha, which is beyond thought and mental activity.[5] (2) The internal processes of the mind that can give rise to consciousness.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The cognitive processes involved in generating thoughts, feelings, and intentions towards oneself and others.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Processes and thoughts that are managed by cultivating the Bodhisattva's regulations.[8]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The workings of the mind that can produce various thoughts and feelings, likened to the nature of a poisonous cobra in the text.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Mental activity'
Mental activity in Hinduism encompasses the dynamic functions of the mind, including cognition, desires, and meditation. It highlights the need for restraint to achieve union with the Supreme Being and attain spiritual liberation, while also addressing the potential burden of ungoverned thoughts.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The processes of thought and perception that characterize the oscillation of the intellect.[10] (2) The engagement of the mind that results from perceptions, driving the body to take action towards obtaining desires.[11] (3) The continuous operations of the mind that can lead to suffering, which Sukra notes as a burden in his reflections.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The cognitive process involved in meditation which requires focused thought.[13] (2) The cognitive engagement involved in knowing or meditating on Brahman, marked by its necessity for repetition for deeper insight.[14]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The actions undertaken by the mind such as wishing, deciding, and deliberating.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The cognitive functions of the mind, which are temporarily suspended, leading to a state of depression when one ceases their actions.[16]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The outward expressions and functions of the mind, including cognition and other processes, that are subject to change and suppression.[17]
Jain concept of 'Mental activity'
In Jainism, mental activity encompasses cognitive functions and thoughts that, if unregulated, can generate negative karma. It also involves fluctuations in thought that can disrupt concentration, relating to the concept of yogadushpranidhana.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Concerns the actions or fluctuations in thought that misalign during concentration, also a part of yogadushpranidhana.[18] (2) Cognitive functions and thoughts that need to be regulated to avoid the formation of negative karma.[19]
The concept of Mental activity in local and regional sources
Mental activity involves engaging the subjective self in thoughts apart from the external world and encompasses daily cognitive functions. When unbalanced with contemplation, it can obscure deeper spiritual insights.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The usual cognitive functions that occupy one's thoughts and actions in daily life, often overshadowing the deeper spiritual self when not balanced with contemplative silence.[20] (2) Engagement of the subjective Self in thoughts and reflections, isolated from the objective world.[21]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to the processes of the mind, including thought, creativity, and the expression of ideas, which are not present in the described context.[22]
The concept of Mental activity in scientific sources
Mental activity encompasses cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and emotional regulation, and can be enhanced by engaging in physical activities like dance, demonstrating the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Mental activity describes the biological activity of the human brain, which is the focus of the Decade of the Mind Project as scientists aim to understand how the mind emerges from it.[23] (2) A specific type of process involving the mind, which includes various functions such as mood regulation, adjustment, and integration of new information with available memory.[24]