The Sanskrit term for the mind is manas. It is a central concept in Ayurvedic psychology, and it’s believed to be one of the most important aspects of the human body. The manas is considered to be a central component of the five layers (or “koshas”) that make up every person, along with anna maya kosha, prana maya kosha, vijnanamaya kosha, and anandamaya kosha. Along with these components, manas is one of the subtle bodies that make up our gross physical body.
Manas has three main aspects: satwa (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). Satwa represents our pure nature; it’s associated with knowledge and enlightenment. Rajas represents our active nature; we’re driven by desire when this aspect dominates us. Tamas represents our ignorant nature; we’re lazy when this aspect dominates us
The three aspects of mind work together as part of a system called tri-guna. This system ensures that each person has some mixture of all three gunas but that any one aspect only dominates at a particular time or under certain conditions
The theory behind tri-guna helps explain why thoughts and actions are linked. The more satvic your thoughts are—i.e., purer—the less you will act out tamasically or rajastically
Manas
Manas is the thinking mind. Manas is the mind that thinks about things in the past, present, and future. It’s also the mind that thinks about what’s happening right now. The root of all thoughts comes from manas. When we are meditating, it is important to understand this distinction between manas and buddhi because sometimes they get mixed up together by beginners who don’t know how to meditate properly yet.
You may think: “But isn’t all thinking just one big thought process?” The answer to this question is no! You see when you sit down for meditation practice then you will notice two distinct types of thoughts—one type comes from buddhi which gives clarity; while another type comes from manas which brings confusion into our lives (and therefore inhibits clarity).
Ayurvedic Psychology
In ayurveda, the mind is called manas and is related to the intellect. Manas also refers to our sense of ego or self-identity; it’s how we see ourselves in relation to others. This can be a good thing because it helps us put things into perspective, but it can also get out of hand when we’re too attached to our own ideas or opinions.
The ancient sages believed that if you don’t learn how to control your thoughts, they will control you. The good news is that learning how your mind works and what makes it tick is easier than you think. In fact, there are some simple tricks that anyone can do right now—and without any expensive gadgets or equipment!
Satwa Rajas Tamas
Manas is the thinking mind. Manas is the mind that thinks about things in the past, present, and future. It’s also the mind that thinks about what’s happening right now. The root of all thoughts comes from manas. When we are meditating, it is important to understand this distinction between manas and buddhi because sometimes they get mixed up together by beginners who don’t know how to meditate properly yet.
You may think: “But isn’t all thinking just one big thought process?” The answer to this question is no! You see when you sit down for meditation practice then you will notice two distinct types of thoughts—one type comes from buddhi which gives clarity; while another type comes from manas which brings confusion into our lives (and therefore inhibits clarity).
Mind
The mind is the seat of consciousness, intelligence and memory. It’s also where our ego resides, which means that it houses our sense of self. The intellect is part of the mind too; this is what we use when we think and reason. As you can see from these descriptions, the mind isn’t just a physical structure—it includes all aspects of who we are as individuals!
Thoughts and actions are related to the mind
It’s important to realize that your mind is a tool for action, thinking, feeling and understanding; it’s not merely the seat of consciousness. The mind can be used to create and imagine as well as think and feel. It’s a versatile instrument that has many uses in our lives, but it can also be misused or abused if we don’t understand how it works. The most important thing is to learn how to use your mind correctly so that you can get the best results from all its powers.
Conclusion
The mind is a funny thing. It’s part of us, and we are part of it. But when we let our minds run wild, it can be like having an evil twin that we can never escape from. Instead of letting your thoughts spiral out of control, take time to stop and think about what you’re doing. Mindfulness can help you find some peace in the midst of chaos or confusion.