Did you know that the scriptures refer to the mind as Antahkarana? So what is the meaning of Antahkarana? ‘Antah’ refers to the mind, while ‘karana’ means instrument. As you know, cognition becomes impossible if the mind disconnects itself from the organs. In the following blog, we will look at a different state of mind.
Four Aspects
The Antahkarana functions in four different ways. Accordingly, it gets four different names concerning the kind of part it does. Manas: Manas refers to the mind. Therefore, it expresses itself as indecisive and agitated. Buddhi: Likewise, Buddhi refers to the intellect. Thus, decisiveness and rational thinking is what depicts buddhi. Citta: When working as a part that aids memory, indicates to the Citta state of mind. Ahankara: Lastly, when a sense of individuality or ego works out (I-thought) works out, it goes by the name ahankara.
The Different State of Mind
As you all know, the mind is the flow of thoughts or vritti. Eventually, the basis of all thoughts is the sense of ‘I’ or the I-thoughts, otherwise called the aham vritti. On the other hand, all thoughts other than the I-thought identifies as idam vritti. Consequently, the mind consists of five states:
Ksipta: Ksipta is the lowest state of mind. It refers to that state of mind that is restless and distracted. As a result, it merely wanders from one object to another.
Mudha: Similarly, Mudha is a state of mind consumed by passion. It is in delusion and absorbed in pleasure.
Viksipta: Viksipta refers to the mind that is restless and distracted by one object. Therefore, it is unable to process information.
Ekagra: As the name suggests, Ekagra is those minds that focus on one object.
Niruddha: Finally, Niruddha is a mind that is in a deep sleep. It is in control and a state where all thoughts come to an end. Here it is almost impossible to distract the mind.
