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'Mind' in Indian philosophy.

A Venkoba Rao¹

¹A. VENKOBA RAO, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc, D.P.M., F.R.C.Psych, F.A.M.S., F.A.Sc, F.N.A., F.A.P.A., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Madurai Medical College, Madurai-625020. ('Tilak' 506, IV Main Road, K.K. Nagar, Madurai- 625 020, India) drvenkobarao@hotmail.com.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Indian philosophy explores the mind

Keywords:

Ashtavakr Caravaaka Gita Nyaya-Vaiseshika Sankhya Self Upanishads Yoga

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Area of Science:

Philosophy of Mind
Indian Philosophy
Neuroscience

Background:

The concept of mind is central to Indian philosophical traditions.
Diverse schools, including Vedas, Upanishads, and Carvaka, offer varying perspectives.
The relationship between mind, self, and consciousness is a key theme.

Purpose of the Study:

To briefly discuss the place of mind in Indian philosophical systems.
To compare these views with modern neuroscience and materialistic schools.
To suggest an integrated approach for psychiatric care.

Main Methods:

Review of select Indian philosophical texts (Vedas, Upanishads, Six Systems, Gita).
Analysis of the Carvaka materialistic school.
Comparative analysis with modern neuroscience.

Main Results:

Indian philosophies generally posit a subtle physical nature for the mind.
A self, distinct from and superior to the mind, is often postulated.
Materialistic schools, ancient and modern, reject the concept of self.

Conclusions:

The mind's dual nature (friend or foe) is recognized.
An integrated approach in psychiatric care should extend beyond the mind.
Scientific advancements do not negate the potential for a spiritual dimension in holistic care.