Significance of Mental state
Mental state is a concept explored across various philosophical and religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Vaishnavism. It encompasses a range of emotional and cognitive experiences that can influence one's focus, behavior, and spiritual development. Factors like anger, desire, and delusion can disrupt mental clarity, while states of meditation can cultivate tranquility and awareness. In essence, mental state refers to the dynamic conditions of the mind, which play a crucial role in shaping perception, emotional well-being, and overall health.
Synonyms: Psychological condition, Emotional state, Mental condition, Psychological state, Frame of mind, Disposition
In Dutch: Mentale toestand; In Finnish: Henkinen tila; In Spanish: Estado mental; In German: Geisteszustand; In Swedish: Mentalt tillst氓nd; In Malay: Keadaan mental; In French: 脡tat mental
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mental state'
In Buddhism, "Mental state" encompasses the mind's condition, emotional experiences, and psychological phenomena influenced by desires and perceptions, impacting well-being and actions. It highlights the importance of awareness in cultivating wholesome mental states and understanding consciousness.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Various conditions of the mind that include different feelings, thoughts, and responses.[1] (2) Refers to the various forms of awareness and psychological experiences within the context.[2] (3) Various conditions of the mind classified into specific categories that are either fixed or unfixed regarding their occurrence in consciousness.[3] (4) Various psychological conditions or qualities that arise within consciousness, influencing thoughts and actions.[4] (5) Various psychological phenomena or conditions such as thoughts, emotions, and consciousness that arise within an individual's mind.[5]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) States derived from the interplay of consciousness and mental properties.[6] (2) Refers to the condition of the mind at any moment, which can influence subsequent mental events.[7] (3) These are the various forms of mental activities or conditions that accompany consciousness, which become indistinguishable when coalesced with their respective conscious experiences.[8] (4) Cognitive and emotional conditions that are causally related to various material qualities.[9] (5) Refer to the eleven combinations produced by the ten concomitants in relation to the classes of consciousness.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Refers to the various conditions and processes of the mind that arise during rebirth and existence, influencing the sixfold base.[11] (2) Various cognitive and emotional conditions that arise based on prior states within the framework of dependent origination.[12] (3) Cognitive conditions that require precise translation to maintain their Associations and meanings in English.[13] (4) Refers to the various conditions of mind that arise within the context of becoming and the Buddhas' understanding of these states.[14] (5) The non-physical aspects of experience, including feelings and thoughts, integral to meditation.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The psychological conditions of individuals, which can hinder their recovery from physical ailments and contribute to suffering.[16] (2) Mental states refer to various states of mind that are associated with volition, specifically described as sankhara.[17] (3) The condition of the mind, likened to the state when a person is sound asleep.[18] (4) The varying conditions and consciousness experiences that occur within each life, influencing beliefs about existence.[19] (5) Various conditions of mind, such as joy or irritation, that may shift and influence perception and experience.[20]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Defined in the context of samadhi or concentration as one-pointedness of mind.[21] (2) The various emotions and thoughts that affect an individual's mental well-being.[22] (3) Refers to the emotional state of an individual, which plays a crucial role in their experience and actions.[23]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Included terms such as greed and hate, which are easily developed but are of little value.[24] (2) Various states of mind cultivated by the devas and Brahmas leading to their awakening and realization.[25]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Sankhara khandha refers to the aggregate of mental properties and states that make up consciousness and affect the behavior of living entities.[26]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Refers to the various conditions of the mind that influence our perceptions and actions, which can change due to mindfulness and understanding.[27]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The condition or quality of the mind that is influenced by greed, desire, and other emotions.[28] (2) Refers to the inner thoughts and emotions of beings, particularly concerning the understanding of the Tathagata.[29]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A condition of the mind that the good person aims to remain untouched by, specifically avoiding deviant or misleading thoughts.[30] (2) Emotional or cognitive conditions that either lead to clarity and insight or to confusion and delusion, particularly in the realms of love and desire.[31]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Various psychological conditions and attitudes that can arise during the pursuit of spiritual development.[32]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Mental states, such as desire, anger, and delusion, are explored to understand their transitory and conditioned nature.[33]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) The conditions or qualities of the mind that can be either wholesome or unwholesome.[34]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The various conditions (like anger, greed, and delusion) that arise in the mind and can lead to a decline in one's human nature.[35] (2) Various emotional and cognitive experiences that can arise during meditation, which may disrupt focus.[36]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The various conditions or modes of consciousness that are perceived through the mind, often considered in contrast to states of external reality.[37]
Hindu concept of 'Mental state'
In Hinduism, mental state encompasses various psychological conditions influencing behavior and perception, including emotional and spiritual conditions. It is crucial for reaching higher truths, meditation, and understanding concepts like shraddha and bhava.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The inner cognitive or psychological configurations that are associated with the understanding and practice of mantras, emphasizing a deeper comprehension of their significance.[38] (2) A specific condition of awareness or consciousness characterized by thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.[39] (3) Specific cognitive conditions that can be associated with the mantras of the Vedas, allowing for the eternal nature of the Vedas to be proved.[40] (4) The condition of the mind which can modify consciousness but does not affect its fundamental nature.[41] (5) States of mind that are illuminated by consciousness, making the repetition of mantras possible only when viewed as such.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Mental states, such as pleasure, pain, and dulness, are known as inward states, which are contrasted with the nature of sense-objects.[43] (2) This is what shraddha, or faith, is described as, and it is used in the context of discussing the meaning of the word shraddha.[44] (3) The condition of the mind that influences one's perception of reality, which Buddha adapted his teachings to match with the understanding of his disciples.[45]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The condition of the mind that influences the ability to reach higher truths through Samadhi.[46]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) States of consciousness that can manifest as thoughts or experiences, particularly in the dream context.[47]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Refers to the consciousness and thoughts of all beings, acknowledged by the divine as a significant area of consideration.[48]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The emotional and psychological condition of the Alvar, reflecting feelings of desolation and longing.[49] (2) The emotional or spiritual condition of the divine bard during moments of ecstasy.[50] (3) The reflective and contemplative condition of the Alvar as he remembered his past experiences with the Lord.[51] (4) Refers to the condition of the Alvar's mind, which he attributes to his sins and the overwhelming nature of the divine traits.[52]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The condition of the mind which is characterized by the presence of bhava.[53]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The current psychological condition or level of consciousness that can be traversed through Samyama.[54] (2) The psychological conditions that arise from the interaction of the mind with past experiences and external stimuli.[55] (3) The current emotional or psychological condition of an individual, which can be analyzed through the knowledge of other minds.[56]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the condition of the mind during meditation, particularly when it is brought together thoroughly and centered.[57]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The condition of Prahlada's mind, which was absorbed in meditation and characterized by tranquility and insensibility.[58]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the various psychological conditions, including emotions and thoughts, that influence behavior and perception.[59]
Jain concept of 'Mental state'
In Jainism, the mental state encompasses diverse emotional and psychological conditions, such as delusion, conception, and hate, highlighting the significance of these feelings in understanding one's spiritual well-being and ethical behavior.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Various emotional and psychological conditions explored, including delusion, conception, and hate.[60]
The concept of Mental state in local and regional sources
Mental state encompasses an individual's psychological condition, influencing experiences and perceptions. It is shaped by thoughts and emotions, impacting well-being and guiding treatments, while emphasizing the interplay between mind and body in understanding self-knowledge.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Mental states are the various conditions and processes occurring within the mind, which the Yogi seeks to perceive, including the journey of sensation and the mind's processing of it.[61] (2) This is a description of how everyone tries to make a display of himself in music and moments of recreation.[62] (3) The mental state is what Yoga aims to restrain and control, representing the focus of the practice and its influence on one's inner world.[63] (4) These waves in the Chitta obscure the Soul; they create a barrier to perceiving the Soul's true nature, like reflections in a lake, preventing clarity and insight.[64] (5) A condition of the mind, which corresponds to a physical state, and is a factor in the interconnectedness of the body and mind, and the reactions between them.[65]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The psychological condition of Milton post-blindness, characterized by conflict between duty and personal discomfort.[66] (2) The psychological or emotional condition of an individual, which can be influenced by external factors such as the presence of a crowd.[67] (3) The narrator鈥檚 reflection on the psychological aspects of his wife鈥檚 illness, equating it to his own state of mind.[68] (4) The various conditions or statuses of the mind, which can fluctuate continuously from moment to moment.[69] (5) The condition of someone's psychological or emotional well-being, particularly in the context of the patient鈥檚 mental struggles.[70]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The condition of one鈥檚 mind, which directly influences their experiences and outcomes in life.[71]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Mental state is described as being the focus of various treatments, and the goal is to soothe the distressed person and comfort her by showing the opposite of the thing she is afraid of.[72]
The concept of Mental state in scientific sources
Mental state encompasses the psychological and emotional condition of an individual, influencing overall health, cognitive functions, and physical well-being, as evidenced by brain activity, research findings, and various emotional conditions linked to health issues.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a person's emotional and cognitive condition, and an altered mental state can be a sign or symptom of a stroke, along with other physical impairments.[73] (2) This refers to the condition of a person's mind, and the rapid procedure helps to reduce the number of surgeries, which has implications on this and the physical state of the patient.[74] (3) These are the internal cognitive and emotional conditions of an individual, which can be decoded and understood by examining brain activity in humans, as noted in a review.[75] (4) The at-risk mental state has been the subject of research that has shown regional gray matter volume abnormalities, according to the provided text.[76] (5) This refers to a person's psychological and emotional condition, which can be improved through interventions, as suggested by the document's contents.[77]