THE MIND- ASPECTS OF THE MIND

THE MIND- ASPECTS OF THE MIND

To state the obvious the Mind is a complex thing, it has many aspects. In Yoga the Mind tries to understand itself through self-observation.  Even now while reading this that process is happening because the Mind wants to understand itself.

In some Yoga interpretations the mind has four aspects: manas (the sensory mind), buddhi (the intellectual mind), ahamkara (the ego mind), chitta (the cosmic mind).

 MANAS- THE SENSORY MIND

The sensory mind is connected with perception and thinking. The purpose of Yoga is to teach us how to observe not just mechanically watch. It is through this Mind that we start to observe ourselves, our body, our surroundings and we become self- aware.

BUDDHI- THE INTELECTUAL MIND

The intellectual mind is connected with intuition, introspection, knowing and differentiating. Introspection is not just a Yogic method it is also part of the human nature to wonder about oneself.  When we wake up the sensory mind, our existence in the outer world comes the next step waking up the inner world.

AHAMKARA- THE EGO MIND

This aspect of the mind is connected with the ego (or ergo- I am), basically our existence. The true nature of the ego mind is self-preservation which is why sometimes it is driven by fear and desire. When we know nothing (pun intended) and we try to understand ourselves it is difficult for the ego mind to recognize the “true-self”. This is why we need to ask ourselves the most profound identity questions- who am I and what a truly want?

CHITTA- THE COSMIC MIND

The cosmic mind is connected to totality of consciousness. The product of awakening manas, buddhi, ahamkara is chitta. This Mind connects us to the greater cosmic consciousness and a richer experience of life.