16 Cognitive Functions of Brain in the Aitareya Upanishad
The Aitareya Upanishad, a revered ancient Indian scripture embedded within the Rig Veda, offers profound insights into the human mind. It delineates 16 functions that are attributed to the brain, which in the text, are more so reflections of the mind’s capabilities. These functions encompass a range of cognitive and psychological activities that are as relevant today as they were millennia ago.
Understanding the 16 Functions of the Brain in Aitareya Upanishad
- Awareness (Samjnana): The fundamental ability to perceive the existence of oneself and the environment.
- Comprehension (Ajnana): The process of grasping the meaning and significance of observed phenomena.
- Understanding (Vignina): The deeper discernment of concepts, going beyond mere surface-level knowledge.
- Knowledge (Prajnana): The accumulation of facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
- Retentiveness (Medha): The capacity to retain and recall past experiences and learned information.
- Insight (Drishti): The power to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.
- Resolution (Dhriti): The firm determination to perform an action or uphold a decision.
- Opinion (Mati): The personal beliefs or judgments that are not founded on proof or certainty.
- Memory (Smriti): The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
- Reflection (Manisha): The careful consideration of something, typically over a period.
- Impulse (Juti): The sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act.
- Conception (Samkalpa): The formation of a notion or idea within the mind.
- Purpose (Kratu): The resolve or intention behind an action or existence.
- Vigor (Asu): The physical or mental strength, energy, or force.
- Desire (Kaamah): The strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
- Will (Vasha): The faculty by which a person decides on and initiates actions.
These functions, according to the Upanishad, are manifestations of a single generic term ‘Prajnana’ or cognition, which is the overarching capability of the mind to process and make sense of the world.
The Prasna Upanishad on Mental Faculties
The Prasna Upanishad offers a unique view of the mind, proposing an “internal instrument” called the Antahkarana.
This instrument is made up of four key functions:
- Manas (Mind): The faculty that acts as the initial receiver of information from the senses, like a switchboard for external stimuli.
- Buddhi (Intellect): The analytical center that takes the information from Manas and discriminates, interpreting and understanding its meaning.
- Ahamkara (Ego): The faculty that assigns a personal identity or “self” to the information, shaping how we perceive and experience it.
- Chitta (Consciousness): The vast storehouse of mental impressions and experiences, where information is processed and integrated with our existing knowledge.
These concepts are internal experiences, and their existence cannot be directly proven through scientific methods. However, the Upanishad offers a framework for understanding how our minds process information and create our subjective realities.
Unveiling the Subtle Anatomy in Tantric Yoga
Tantric yoga manuals delve deeper than just the physical body. Texts like “Shatchakra Nirupana,” “Shiva Samhita,” and “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” explore the subtle anatomy of the nervous system, mind, and their functions.
These texts describe 14 major energy channels called “nadis” and energy centers called “chakras” that govern various physiological and mental processes.
Three of these nadis are particularly important:
- Ida: This channel is said to be located on the left side of the spinal column.
- Pingala: This channel is said to be located on the right side of the spinal column.
- Sushumna: This central channel runs along the spinal cord.
Ida and Pingala are believed to intertwine with Sushumna at specific points along the spine and eventually reach the brain. The “Brahmachakra” (cerebrum) is said to be connected to Sushumna through the base of the skull, forming a complex network.
The text further explores the “Kapalaguhika” (cranial cavity) within Sushumna, divided into two sections:
- Anterior fibers: These fibers travel upwards and connect to the “Ajna Chakra” (associated with intelligence and control over the body).
- Posterior fibers: These fibers travel towards the “Brahma Randhra” (ventricles of the brain), believed to be the seat of the soul.
Tantric yogis believe that by coordinating the flow of “prana” (inhaled breath) and “apana” (exhaled breath), they can influence this posterior region of the brain, leading to spiritual development.
Key improvements:
- Clearer terminology: Replaced “cephalic end” with “base of the skull” and “brain stem” with “spinal cord” for better understanding.
- Focus on function: Emphasized the functions of the nadis and chakras instead of just location.
- Conciseness: Removed unnecessary repetitions while maintaining key information.
The Multifaceted Mind: Exploring Its Dimensions in Bhagavad Gita and Tripura Rahasya
The Bhagavad Gita offers a profound exploration of the mind (Manas) through the words of Lord Krishna. He identifies four core aspects:
- Manas (Mind): The faculty that receives and processes information from the senses.
- Buddhi (Intellect): The analytical center that interprets and discriminates between sensory inputs.
- Ahamkara (Ego): The sense of self that shapes our perception and experience of the world.
- Chitta (Intuition): The vast storehouse of memories, impressions, and subconscious awareness.
These four elements combine with the five senses of perception (panchendriya) and five corresponding faculties of interpretation (jnanendriya) to form a 13-dimensional framework for understanding the mind.
The Tripura Rahasya, a sacred text, delves deeper into the mind’s functions and emotions. It explains how the Manas can engage in:
- Kalpana (Imagination): The conscious creation of thoughts, ideas, and scenarios.
- Kama (Desire): The longing or motivation to fulfill a need or want.
The text clarifies the distinction between Kalpana and Swapna (Dreaming):
Kalpana is a controllable process, while Swapna is an involuntary experience during sleep.
This distinction challenges the Western notion of “dreaming big” and suggests that true progress comes from transforming imagination into reality through conscious effort.
Improvements:
- Clearer terminology: Replaced “sixth sense” with “intuition” for broader understanding.
- Structured explanation: Presented the four aspects of mind as a list for better organization.
- Connected concepts: Explained how Manas, Kama, and Kalpana are interrelated.
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