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Significance of Mental exertion

Mental exertion is viewed differently across various philosophical frameworks. In Vaishnavism, it involves the divine's effort to aid the world. Puranas describe it as the focused application of mental energy to overcome challenges. Rasashastra connects mental exertion to cognitive stress potentially causing physical symptoms. Mahayana emphasizes mental focus in spiritual practice, highlighting qualities like patience and meditation, while science links it to cognitive engagement essential for mental health. Overall, mental exertion encompasses both spiritual and practical dimensions of cognitive effort.

Synonyms: Cognitive effort, Mental effort, Brain activity, Mental workload, Mental activity, Mental fatigue

In Dutch: Mentale inspanning; In Finnish: Henkinen rasitus; In Spanish: Esfuerzo mental; In German: Geistige Anstrengung; In Malay: Usaha mental; In Swedish: Mental ansträngning

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 exertion'

Buddhism Books

Mental exertion in Buddhism emphasizes the importance of focused spiritual practice over physical efforts, highlighting qualities like patience, meditation, and wisdom. It reflects the disciplined effort required to achieve mental mastery through spiritual vows.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A form of exertion that involves mental focus and spiritual practice, which is considered powerful and superior to physical efforts.[1] (2) Exertion is categorized as mental when it is associated with inner qualities such as patience, meditation, and wisdom.[2]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The effort required to focus the mind, which is minimized when one has mastered the vows.[3]

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 'Mental exertion'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, mental exertion involves intense cognitive activity causing stress, the Lord's strategic planning for global assistance, and focused mental energy essential for achieving success and overcoming obstacles.

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

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

(1) The application of mental energy and focus that leads to achieving success and overcoming challenges.[4]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The strong mental effort put forward by the Lord in planning methods to assist the world.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions

(1) Intense cognitive activities or stress that can contribute to feelings that may result in vomiting.[6]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.