What the mind is, the modern scientists say, is undefinable. One can comment about its nature, characteristics, abilities, and potence and so forth, but upto date, no one has been able to define what it is or where it is exactly located. On the latter matter, there are several views. Up till recently, the location of the mind, according to western science, has been believed to be in the brain. But, ancient scriptures of India have mentioned that, the mind is residing in the heart. This latter position has now engaged the attention of western medical researchers, especially those engaged in Mind / Body Medicine. There is a belief gaining ground among these researchers that the heart is the seat of the mind. Physiology points out that the heart is directly connected to the brain by two channels, viz, the Vegas Nerve and Sympathetic Afferent Nerves via the spinal column. The foremost exponent of Mind analysis was Gautama, the Buddha, although earlier sages have also commented extensively about the mind, human perception and related topics as contained in Veda, Upanishad and Samkhya, the pre-Buddhist doctrines of India. Some of the statements attributed to the Buddha, pertaining to the mind are as follows:1. Mind is the fore-runner of all activity. Mind is their Chief. Mental states are all mind-wrought. All behaviour is mind made. 2. Dwelling in a cave, without any form, the mind wonders long distances and alone. (The location of this “dwelling cave”, however has not been explicitly stated by the Buddha. But there is a reference that, “mind resides in the heart”. 3. Mind is the organiser of the separate experiences of the five sense organs which receives impressions from the outside world. The mind is the resort of all such experiences. 4. The mind is described as a sense organ, on a par with other sense organs, the eye, the ear, the tongue, the nose and the body. (Despite the statement that the mind resides in the heart, the heart is not considered as a separate sense organ.) 5. Mind is the seat of consciousness and is dependent on the body for its existence. Mind has no independent existence. 6. Mind is a process without substance. It arises, develops and it ceases. 7. Mind can be bended in any direction. It generates thoughts and these thoughts traverse like a monkey going from branch to branch, it travels from topic to topic, endlessly. 8. The mind is like an untamed bull, and to tame it, just like a wild bull, has to be tethered to a post, the mind has to be fixed on to a single point of concentration. Then one can quieten, subdue and train the mind to develop to higher levels. 9. Through concentration on a single point, the resulting quietened mind could be further developed to higher levels of concentration, the highest being enlightenment, which means full realisation of the nature of all cosmic activity. 10. The mind is capable of inner speech called Vitakka and Vichara (Pali) meaning
argumentation and analysis, that is done mentally. Here the process uses language, but silently, within the mind. 11. The mind is capable of generating only one thought at a time, but these thoughts generate in rapid succession, and some times again and again. 12. The mind in its purity glistens. But in ordinary persons the mind is covered with the muck (Keles) of desire, hatred and delusion, completely covering and enveloping the brilliance of the mind, making it dull and lustre – less. To achieve brilliance of the mind, this muck of desire, hatred and delusion, have to be removed.
The Culture of the Mind
All Sages throughout history have stated that the culture and development of the mind can be achieved only through concentration, meditation, and contemplation on any one matter, initially. There are many methods so developed. The concentration of the mind is possible only if one cultivates other virtues that enable or
facilitate this concentration. These are precepts to be followed that will tame and quieten the mind, which are prerequisites for higher forms of concentration. This preparation for concentration is called Seela (Pali) or discipline. In Buddhist and other Indian doctrines, morality is the indispensable basis for any higher mental development. Meditation comes in different forms. From the beginning of history and in pre-historic times meditation has existed. In the cultures of pre-historic Mohendajaro and Harappa (over 4000 years ago), artefacts have been found depicting the Samadhi posture. The culture of the mind leads to the culture of the body, not physical or muscular development, but a disciplining of the body leading to perfectly serene and graceful physical movement.
Methods of Mind Culture
There are numerous methods developed throughout the world, ancient and modern, but the oldest, the commonest, and the most effective is the mindfulness of the breathing process, concentrating on the movement of breath in inhaling and exhaling. The Pali term for this is Ana, Pana, Sati. This is entirely different from Prana Yama, the breathing exercise prescribed in Yoga Shastra, which achieves a different objective of invigorating the breathing process, improving the blood formation and circulation in the body, also resulting in the calming of the body and the mind. But, Prana Yama is not meditation. Mindfulness of the breath is solely mental concentration on the process of breathing, observing acutely, the natural rhythm of the exhaling and inhaling, without any willful interference into this natural process, to the exclusion of attention to any other thing or activity. This acute concentration begins to quieten your brain and bodily palpitations. With the gradually increasing strength of mindfulness and concentration the range widens and the vision deepens until the insight
knowledges unfold themselves in due order, as a natural outcome of the practice. Even at the primary level of these exercises, the continuous traffic of thoughts, unwholesome or wholesome which infests one’s mind is brought to a halt and the nervous tension and exhaustion created by that unceasing traffic of thoughts are eliminated and the mind is refreshed by this exercise. Western medical researchers have confirmed that in meditators, the palpitations in the brain decreases to the lowest level described as Alpha Phase which results in mental and physical tranquility. A Report captioned “The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meditation” was published in 1993, by three medical reserachers on the wholesome effects of meditation which revealed the following:
1. The heart – beat rate reduces 2. Blood Pressure reduces 3. Alpha waves produced by the brain increases. This increases brain coherence as the right side of the brain and the left side starts functioning in a balanced manner. 4. The breathing alters to a better and deeper level. 5. Muscles in the body, looses the tension and gets relaxed. 6. The five sense organs become more alert and ready to respond 7. Increased capability of concentration of mind on any work performed 8. Improvement of memory and intelligence. 9. Tranquility of body and mind increases. 10. Body and mind are refreshed.
Different types of meditation
Universally followed methods of meditation are of several types, and could be classified as follows:
1. Attention to, breath, inhalation and exhalation, one colour, one object or one objective.
2. Repeated expression of one sound, hymns, Gatha or Mantra, again and again.
3. Mindfulness of your bodily movements, your feelings, your mental contents (what you think about) and your mental states. These are the four foundations on which your total mindfulness could be developed.
Because of the beneficial results achieved through meditation, there is increased acceptance and following of these methods by discerning persons who are interested in finding methods, for relaxation and recuperation from the stressful activities of ordinary living.
Western medical men are increasingly commenting on the efficacy of meditation and also the Hatha Yoga system which is a combination of mental – physical disciplinary culture. Hatha Yoga consists of certain physical postures of the body and breathing exercises known as Prana Yama. It improves concentration as well as give an invigorating effect on the physical body, improving flexibility, agility, balance, calm and discipline.
Western Medical research on mind/body medicine
The important discovery that these Researchers have made, is that, every thought that generates in the mind will have certain effects on the metabolic function of the body. Thoughts which are morally wholesome produce wholesome reactions in the body, and thoughts which are morally unwholesome causes unwholesome or injurious effects on the body. For example, anger when it is generated in the mind immediately results in the secretion of a certain chemical into the blood stream, identified as cortisol hormone, which technically has a detrimental effect on the body. Anger also causes the production of epinephrine, which in turn causes a rise in the blood pressure, heart beat, and oxygen consumption. Prolonged states of anger can lead to a cluster of ailments including ulcers, indigestion, and heart problems. Thus the physical body and the thought processes interact, with one having an effect on the other.
Thus, the chemistry of the body changes from moment to moment in tandem with the thought process. It is desirable to maintain, even mental states, that are conducive to peace, serenity and calmness. Indulging in various methods of mind culture is the only way to achieve these objectives of peace, serenity and calmness as part of healthy living.
One of the prime characteristics of the mind is to dwell on past events and on speculations about the future, completely ignoring the present moment. Similar to the Buddha’s teaching, modern psychologists advice their patients to completely abandon this unproductive and debilitating practice of reliving the past and speculating about the future and to live from moment to moment, concentrating on the present activity as it is executed. This is a discipline, when cultivated properly will make life very practical, easy and productive.
All achievers do practice daily, to preserve and continue their performance. Cricketers, Athletes, all other performers, have to constantly practice to maintain their performance. This is the nature of all activity. Meditation and Hatha Yoga has to be practiced daily and methodically to achieve and maintain its efficacy and results, for, the law of impermanence operates here too. One has to keep on renewing the prowess to maintain good performance and in meditation or Hatha Yoga, the same principle applies.
Practical use of Mindfulness
The training in right mindfulness is culture of the mind in its highest sense. The practice of mindfulness starts with one of the most elementary functions of the mind, attention. All tasks and little activities of every day life, if given the careful attention, protects one self against failure or bad consequences. Careful attention to the tasks of everyday life will result in visible improvements in the performance of those everyday tasks made effectual by careful attention, thoroughness and circumspection. This will, also result in the improvement of the mind’s condition when positive and desirable results are obtained by the exercise of attention and thereby confidence is generated.
All mishaps, accidents, imprudent actions that entail loss or harm to a person could be avoided and totally eliminated, if the practice of mindfulness is developed as a habit, where each task performed is done with careful attention, thoroughness and circumspection. Mindfulness becomes a talisman that protects one-self and by protecting one-self, you protect the others also.
Right mindfulness will also equip a person to give up thoughtless perpetuation of irrational habits and wants, which are hindrances to healthy living.
Many minor complications of the mind are caused by extreme attitudes of the mind and by unwise handling of the various pairs of emotional opposites, like anger and love etc., that occur in life. Surrendering to extreme attitudes of any description will limit one’s freedom of action and thoughts, and the capacity of true understanding; it reduces independence and the chances of effective and practical self-help to resolve problems.
Analysis of mind in Western Psychology – the science of mind.
The general acceptance in Western Psychology, which is only about 300 years old, is that the seat of the mind is the brain.
Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1930) a German Jew, considered as the Father of Western Psychology was a medical man, a neurologist, who conducted researches on his patients and produced theories relating to how the mind functions.
Freud separated consciousness into three realms, the conscious, pre-conscious and unconscious and declared that all psychic activity proceeds for the most part unconsciously. Consciousness was compared to the small part of an ice-berg where the unconscious was the submerged bigger part which played the crucial role in human thinking and action. Humans are dominated by this unconscious and “we are not masters in our own house”, he said.
Freud presented the human psyche as a conflictual interaction between three pressures. Id, the primary process of consciousness, Ego, the self and Super Ego, representing cultural and social demands that fashion human thinking and action.
Freud was only a medical analyst and he had no solution to the central problem of mankind of, anxiety, sorrow and unsatisfactoriness of life.
All are mentally afflicted
The modern western view of psychologists is that most human beings are mentally afflicted in some way and it is difficult to find any person who could be described as normal. The cause of this abnormality is attributed to genetic and environmental factors that determined the acquisition of these abnormalities, over a period of time, that fashions the structure of the personality.
It is interesting in this context, to note that 2500 years ago, Gautama the Buddha made the profound statement that “All ordinary persons are mentally afflicted” (“Sabbe Puthajjana Unmattaka”) The Buddha attributed this affliction to the three roots of evil that are endemic in any ordinary human mind, ignorance, hatred and desire. These three characteristics tarnish and cripple the mind, which otherwise, he stated, is brilliant and capable of seeing reality as it is. He presented a therapeutic way to cleanse the mind of ignorance, hatred and desire, leading to enlightenment and called it, the Noble Eightfold Path.
Every religion, and ethical doctrine professes to achieve this ultimate objective of elimination of sorrow, and the realization of serene peace and joy. This is a universal objective of mankind.
Some characteristics of the mind
Mind also creates illusions, halucinations, dreams and night mares.
The greatest illusion created and sustained by the mind, universally, is the concept of self or me and I concept, according to Gautama the Buddha. The moment one fully realizes that self is nothing but an empty illusion created by the mind itself, fuelled by desire, then, knowledge dawns, wisdom uprises, He stated.
Mind has the qualities of elasticity, (stretchable) plasticity (ability to mould), malleability (ability to change shape) and is also ductile (can be stretched in one direction). These are various forms of flexibility. It is proof that the mind is not a rigid, solid, unalterable faculty.
This is the most redeeming factor which makes the mind capable of being fashioned by mental exertion. The holy ascetic and the suicide bomber are both extreme examples of mind moulding or “brain – washing”.
Illness of the Mind
Illnesses develop in the body as well as in the mind. When a mental illness develop in the mind that person’s thinking, feeling, and perception gets altered thereby leading to changes in behavior. The effect of the illness creates difficulties for the pursuit of normal activities.
The range of mental illness is wide and varies from mild afflictions to more serious disruptive disorders.
Common Mental Illnesses
1. Anxiety – There are several anxiety disorders.
(a) Phobias –
(i) specific phobias like fear of insects, closed spaces, fear of heights etc.
(ii) Social Phobia
(iii) Agaro-phobia – fear of crowds
(b) Self- consciousness – A common situation for many persons
(c) Panic disorder – These surface in social situations to social phobic persons. Sweating, Palpitations, Passig urine, tightness in chest, fear of death
(d) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
(i) checking and re-checking things
(ii) repetitive actions
(iii) washing hands repetitively
(iv) thinking over something over and over again (ruminating)
(v) debating endlessly through mind
(vi) obsessed with one matter
While Obsessive Compulsive Disorder pertains to repetitious action/s or thoughts, which ultimately become a hindrance to ordinary daily activities, obsessions are the most widespread affliction that affects most individuals. Persons are obsessed with another person or thing, obsessed with family, obsessed with views, obsessed with exercise, obsessed with a sport, obsessed with some activity and the list is endless. These obsessions makes a person an Ummattakka, a deranged person. This type of obsession, limits one’s freedom of thinking and action and puts a person in a groove, on a track, and he will move only in this groove or this track, alone. Real freedom of the mind, and the ability to see, everything in the correct perspective of reality, can be achieved only by getting rid of these obsessions. The ethical paths outlined by most religions pave the way to shedding these obsessions and looking at every thing in an objective manner rather than from a subjective manner. Achievement of this is through a gradual process of observing precepts that will systematically shed all acquirements made by the mind through ignorance, hate and delusion.
2. Stress – Inability to cope with the daily demands and pressures of living causes mental stress, resulting in tense mind and body. Focusing ability is reduced. Human beings are equipped with natural coping mechanisms both physical and mental. All stressful situations are faced by utilizing these coping mechanisms. When the coping mechanism is adaptive, problems are overcome. When it is maladaptive, problems accumulate and get aggravated.
Developing coping skills in times of stress is the objective of psychological therapy.
There are three broad categories of stress related disorders.
(a) Acute Stress Disorders – inability to cope up with emerging new situations
(b) Post-traumatic Stress Disorders – effects of war, sudden death of loved one, tsunami, landslde.
(c) Adjustment disorders – inability to adjust to new environment – post marriage situations, new job etc.
Reactions to stress
Physical Emotional Behavioural
Migraine Depression Alcohol / Drug Abuse
Insomnia Anxiety Suicide
Skin reactions Loss of self esteem Violence
High blood pressure Frustration Withdrawal from society
3. Depression – Could be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms :
(a) low mood
(b) lack of energy
(c) cannot concentrate
(d) lack of enjoyment of pleasurable activities
(e) helpless feeling
(f) feelings of guilt/ worthlessness
(g) headaches and pains with no identifiable cause
(h) sleeplessness or excessive sleeping
(i) changes in appetite and weight
(j) thoughts of suicide. Persistence of such feelings over a long period of time, they become a hindrance to normal routine activities, which become difficult. These are indications of a depressive illness.
4. Schizophrenia – Symptoms :
(a) Disruption of thinking / feeling
(b) Hearing voices
(c) holding fixed abnormal beliefs
(d) fear
(e) No insight
(f) acute and transient psychotic (mentally created) episodes in mind. Schizophrenia is a serious and incurable disease of the mind which could be caused by
(a) neuro development disorders
(b) structural and chemical brain changes. Schizophrenia has to be treated by Psychiatrist with medicines and its effects could be controlled to an extent where the patient could barely manage his life without creating a crisis.
5. Substance & Drug Abuse – Tobacco, Alcohol and Narcotic drugs are habit forming with need for gradual and systematic increase of intake. It affects all physical and mental functions. Basically, Tobacco, Alcohol and Narcotic drugs are depressants which cripples the nervous system and has a debilitating effect on internal organs like liver, kidney, heart and the stomach.
Extreme addiction to any one of these, could cause death or hasten death.
6.Bipolar Affective Disorder – This is a serious mental illness generally caused by hereditary reasons. Patient experiences mania and extreme depression with emotional changes from one extreme to another. Suicide rate of such persons are high.
7. Dementia – Symptoms of Dementia are, decline in memory and other cognitive functions. This normally affects persons between 65 – 80 years of age.
8. Alzheimer’s decease – Loss of memory and connectivity with the past.
Treatment of Mental Illnesses
The major illnesses require drug treatment/medication administered by a competent Psychiatrist. In other cases, psychological therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, counseling are important to change the situation to manageable levels or for a complete cure. An important therapy is relaxation therapy. Techniques which will reduce stress levels caused by these illnesses like anxiety, stress and depression help greatly to overcome the effects of these illnesses
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
This is an interesting psychological technique whereby the affected person is made to challenge his thought process and fully check any irrational thought or conclusion which has established itself in the mind. The process helps to overcome negative thoughts and replace with positive thoughts by a process of reasoning, logic and persuasion, directed at one’s own mind. Assertiveness is cultivated, refusing mentally to succumb to negative thoughts. This therapy has to be administered by a qualified physician or trained counselor.
Relaxation Techniques
These are important to get rid of Anxiety, Stress and Depression that afflict the mind. According to the temperament of the person, attention could be diverted to meditation techniques, Relaxation Techniques, Music, Physical exercise, Psycho – Physical concentration in Hatha Yoga, excursions / holidays in pleasant environment and hobbies like gardening or rearing ornamental fish etc.
A relaxed and calmed mind completely subdues the stress situation, depression or anxiety and to achieve that, these techniques will have to be used. Mental tranquility is the foundation on which, the mind could be transferred into even higher planes of thought, where the unseen could be seen and objective reality could be seen with clarity.
Mental illnesses which are acquired and developed in the environmental setting of the individual unless they are conditioned by genetic causes, can be dispelled by the reverse processes of eliminating what has been acquired and developed. It is a complicated and slow process but nevertheless results are guaranteed, if the process is faithfully followed.
There are four kinds of physicians who treat mentally afflicted persons. 1. Psychologists 2. Psychiatrists 3. Psycho-therapists 4. Psycho – Analysts.
Psychologists – Persons who apply principles of behavior in scientific research or other settings. They specialize in areas such as mental health and therapy perception, physiology, child development, learning and teaching. They specialize in areas such as mental health and therapy perception, physiology, child development, learning and teaching.
These physicians do not administer any medicines.
Psychiatrists – Physicians who specialize in the treatment of disturbed behavior. Such patients have physical and emotional problems. Psychiatrist are authorised to prescribe medicines as drugs to overcome these conditions.
Psychotherapists – Trained persons who treat persons with emotional or behavioural problems through psychological techniques. The goal of psychotherapy is to help people to cope better and to achieve more emotionally satisfying life styles, often helping them relieve stress, improve interpersonal communication and modify their faulty ideas about the world. no drug treatment is given.
Psycho- Analysts – Trained individuals who have specified methods of treating people with emotional problems by analysis of their thoughts and actions. This is a specialized field.
Thus, it will be seen that the mind is the most powerful force in a human being which guides, propels, and facilitates him for better or for worse. Intelligent beings will mould the mind, in a positive way so that they could lead successful lives materially and mentally. The mind should be made your servant and not your master.
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