Concept Of Brain And Mind

Abstract

The present paper explores the concept of mind and brain on the cognitive point of view. The nature of Mind as described in ancient Indian literature needs a careful and detailed exposition in the context of modern cognitive science. Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary system of investigation dealing with how information represents and transforms in the brain. The brain is just a physical organ of a body, which is the centre of the nervous system in human beings and other vertebrates. There are four terms in Sanskrit language for mind use in almost same sense with some modifications i.e. manas, cittam, antahkarana and vij¤yÈna. On the other hand, equivalent Sanskrit terms of brain are „Ïr–a, mastiska, mastika×gulam, kapÈla and „iraÌ. In English mind and brain are often uses in synonymous, and consciousness is the state of being conscious or one’s awareness of something. NyÈya-vai„e–ika conseders mind (manas) is a substance (dravya) which controls all organs. MÈyÈvÈdin think that mind is inner organ (antaÌkara‡a), saŠkalpa-vikalpÈtmaka-v‚ittimad-antaÌkara‡aŠ mana iti and cause of all appearances. KÈlidÈsa asserts that the cognition is the functions of inner instrument, pramȇaŠ antaÌkara‡a-prav‚ittayah (ƒakuntalm). However, SÈŠkhya system provides some more valuable explanation on the subject under discussion. According to this, the real parts of psychology lies in this that it must be accordance with the essential parts of material or physical sciences. Thus, this system combines the both concept; the internal realities are in harmony with the external realities. The mind and thought both are matter in a subtle form because it is a product of Nature (Prak‚iti) like body and life (prȇa).