Mastering the Master Mind

Manas - The ultimate balancing act of Holistic Medicine

By Dr. Sharon Samuel who is a member of WYC and a practicing Ayurveda doctor at some of the prestigious vaidyashaalas in and around Karnataka

Ayurveda embodies a holistic approach to health, something that transcends mere physical well-being. The core of its foundation lies in the profound understanding that the mind and soul play a pivotal role in holding the integrity of health. This is clearly indicated in the idea of swastha (health)

described by Acharya Sushruta, which goes on to say that health is a complex multidimensional state of well-being, determined not only by the physical aspects like doshas (humours/ elements), agni (digestion and metabolism), dhatu (tissues), mala (bodily wastes), but also the subtle atma (soul) and manas (mind).

“Sama dosha sama agnishcha samadhatu mala kriyaaha|

Prasanna atma indriya manaaha swastha iti abhidheeyate ||”

In this intricate tapestry of body, mind, and spirit, regulating the manas still remains the ultimate challenge, owing to its quality of being present and felt, yet remaining so abstract and mysteriously oblivious. This confusion makes it a thing of constant confrontation, sometimes seemingly won over, but often pitifully subdued. This all-powerful mind is casually viewed as an insignificant bystander in mainstream medicine. Ayurveda and other ancient medicine systems on the other hand, see it as a powerful agent capable of influencing physical and physiological phenomena. Emotional imbalances, stress, and negative thought patterns can manifest as bodily ailments, revealing the deep connection between the psyche and the soma. This perspective prompts us to explore practices that cultivate mental clarity, emotional resilience and to achieve spiritual harmony, underscoring the necessity of addressing the abstract to achieve tangible wellness.

Manas in Ayurveda:

Manas, also known as chitta, hrt or sattva, has a literal meaning that says, “the one that leads to knowledge.” It is also called as ubhayendriya (dual organ)- that which functions as a sense organ, giving meaning to what is perceived, as well as a motor organ, capable of initiating action. It is a bridge that connects the soul to the body, inert but stimulating. It is also called as atindriya (extraordinary organ) owing to its capacity of transcending physical barriers with extraordinary potential, also bringing meaning to it as the “sixth sense’ .

Here are a few characteristics of the manas:

Despite being unseen, these qualities described in literature help understand the manas better, especially for healing and spiritual progress.

Ekatva (singular application): The mind is quick to move, giving an illusion of being connected to multiple senses and multiple stimuli, but in real, staying connected to only one input at a given time.

Anutva (subtle/ minute): Unlike other external sense organs, the mind is subtle,very minute, like an atom, making it capable of being indestructible, at any phase of life or beyond.

Constantly aware: The mind is always perceiving information. Presence or absence of knowledge is all that matters.

Connecting thread: In the absence of a healthy mind, even with entirely normal sense organs and a thriving soul, information is not accepted or processed.

Thinker: The mind loves to take what it is presented with and ponder infinitely. It can do that with countless pieces of information, endlessly.

Analyser: It also does the job of evaluating and analysing information based on its understanding of good or bad, gathered by current life data or something that could be influenced by the soul.

Speculator: The mind can also start thinking of what is not presented before it, taking the liberty of making guesses and inferences, thereby playing a major role in framing opinions on different matters of everyday life.

Shepherd: While it is known as a wanderer, it is also capable of bringing thoughts on track, forging a space of attention and focus.

Leader: The mind can function as the one that leads towards judgement and determined action. It provides vision and paves way towards what could be deemed right by the mind itself and then partnering with the intellect to execute.

Disconnector: While the mind is the one that connects sense organs to the external world, it is also the one that creates detachment and promotes thoughts of inner awareness of the self.

Taskmaster: It stores knowledge and tools that build skills. The mind is an efficient taskmaster, providing the best possible methods to get work done, more like an efficient personal manager who organises, improvises, and oversees.

Processor: The mind loves information but it also chooses which ones to think upon. The filtration process is an independent activity with significant influence in charting one’s everyday life.

Mind as matter: The matters of the mind are abstract but it is also seen as a seat for diseases. Though it is all pervading, the scriptures indicate towards its physical presence in the heart which can be understood by the implications caused due to mental afflictions. Satva is the supreme quality of the mind, while rajas and tamas are considered as dosha vitiations.

The interconnected existence of the mind is explained very beautifully in the Kaṭhopaniṣhad with the help of the model of a chariot, where there is a chariot, with five horses pulling it; the horses have reins in their mouths, which are in the hands of a charioteer and a passenger is sitting at the back of the chariot. Ideally, the passenger should instruct the charioteer, who should then control

the reins and guide the horses in the proper direction. In this analogy, the chariot is the body, the horses are the five senses, the reins in the mouth of the horses is the mind, the charioteer is the intellect, and the passenger seated behind is the soul residing in the body. The senses (horses) desire pleasurable things and the mind (reins) is the one that exercises restraint on the senses

(horses). The intellect (charioteer) submits to the pull of the reins (mind). If this role is not played well, in the materially bound state, the bewildered soul loses direction.

Learning to master this mastermind:

A person who has gained control over their mind has the strength and mastery that allows them to navigate life's complexities, providing them with the ability to harness their energy and create a harmonious balance within themselves. Gathering this skill set is more like training to be a compassionate master. There must be implementation of right knowledge with adaptations that are undertaken with due respect to the mind’s preferences. Holistic medicine focuses on this, and it can be established through consistent efforts by the self or with guidance of an Ayurveda physician through different interventions like the ones listed below.

1. Sadvritta :

 Implementing a self-care routine that includes elements of mental and spiritual well-being along with physical aspects, creates a default code of conduct. This includes defining morals that set grounds for good character, ideal social conduct, disciplined lifestyle, physical hygiene, occupational conduct as well as spiritual empowerment. These ethics provide a way of living that removes unnecessary doubts from mundane personal and social interactions, paving way for a better quality of life. Sadvritta is about cultivating a sustainable regimen for life, that which has a lasting positive impact on the soul.

2. Dinacharya :

This also focuses on bringing about a conscious, informed rhythm to self- care, through everyday activities. There are two ways in which these routines work. One, through providing a space for introspection and awareness, and the other is by preventing and doshas in check. It acts both as preventive and curative modes of everyday healing.

3. Understanding the Rajas and Tamas:

Satva is a state of original pure existence of the mind. Rajas and Tamas to the mind are like tridoshas to the body. When Rajas increases, there is an inclination towards being worldly, aggressive, and greedy. When Tamas increases, the person becomes more lazy, dark, and ignorant. The mind is constantly aware, thinking, contemplating, analysing and this makes it very important to duly consider what it is provided with, every moment of existence. The qualities of rajas and tamas are influenced by actions and thoughts of everyday life, and can be corrected through the same as explained in the above references.

4. Relationship between Vata and Manas :

Vata dosha and Manas have certain similarities that make them interconnected in their expressions. They are both abstract, easily stimulated, constantly moving, creating actions acting as initiators and executors. When stable, they are all of these and when triggered, they are capable of destruction. There are differences to them too. Vata, unlike manas can be physically regulated through pathya-apathya (do’s and dont’s), yoga especially pranayama, meditation as well as through medical interventions. Tagging with vata

paves way for an easier route to access the manas when direct interaction

becomes difficult.

5. Controlled exposure of stimuli:

The senses are affected when they are over-exposed to stimuli, when not provided with enough stimulus to work upon and also when there is wrongful indulgence. This logic holds good for the mind too. It is important to regulate stimuli through mindful livingand purposeful intervention. Multitasking is not the way the mind works; focus is the real deal.

6. Dhee:

 A sound intellect (Dhee) is the ideal partner for a well-functioning mind. Cultivating intellect and knowledge enhances mental health literacy, which empowers individuals to recognize and address mental health issues effectively. A well-informed person is more likely to be aware and ready to move beyond social stigma. It is also shown to be associated with better coping strategies, positive health behaviours, benefitting not only the individual but also contributing to healthier communities by promoting mutual empathy and support.

7. Dhairya:

 Courage (Dhairya) is the willingness to feel and to be open to unpleasant emotions. Instilling courage and promoting the same helps the mind to engage in right choices, creating alignment within and leaving no space for conflicts. It empowers individuals to confront their fears, embrace challenges, and pursue personal growth. When there is courage, there is resilience, enabling navigation through difficult situations with a sense of purpose and determination. Acts of courage—whether small or significant—can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing their ability to manage stressors, and enhancing mental well-being.

8. Atmadi vijyana:

Knowledge about self (atmadi vignyana) helps to shift focus from what the external world perceives, creating more opportunities to introspect, analyse and grow. Individuals who are self-aware are more likely to handle stress effectively and seek help when needed. Research shows that it also correlates with improved social relationships and overall life satisfaction, while also motivating personal growth and proactive behaviour. Furthermore, understanding one's intrinsic values help combat negative thought patterns, fostering a foundation for a healthier mental state.

Undoubtedly, there is increased awareness about the mind and its inseparable involvement with the body, but it is still muddled with ideas that project themind as a strange something that is unseen and unpredictable. Instead, there is a necessity to understand and promote the true healing capacity that it possesses.

Tackling the mind effectively can provide greatly improved quality of life and it

must be considered as serious business, not just when there is a pathology but as

a preventive modality, more like a way of life, as it was intended in the original

science of medicine.

Wishing you all peace and contentment!