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Significance of Thought processes

Thought processes, as interpreted by Mahayana and Theravada traditions, encompass distinct aspects of cognition and perception. Mahayana describes it as cognitive activities used by Ananda to comprehend the mind's nature and its connection to the body. In contrast, Theravada views thought processes as mental activities influenced by diverse existential circumstances, involving sequential stages of consciousness when perceiving an object through the eye-door, ultimately leading to conscious awareness from sensory input.

Synonyms: Cognitive processes, Mental processes, Reasoning, Thinking, Deliberation, Contemplation, Analysis, Reflection, Mindfulness, Mental activities, Problem-solving

In Dutch: Denkprocessen; In Finnish: Ajatusprosessit; In Spanish: Procesos de pensamiento

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Thought processes'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, thought processes encompass cognitive activities for understanding mind-body relations, series of mental events from sensory input to awareness, context-dependent mental activities across existence, and stages of consciousness triggered by visual perception.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) Mental processes through which a person thinks, reflects, or contemplates.[1] (2) The sequence of thoughts that arise through the five sense doors and mind-door, which are critically examined in Abhidhamma.[2] (3) Abhidhamma analyzes and classifies thoughts and thought-processes primarily from an ethical standpoint.[3] (4) The series of mental occurrences that take place in conjunction with consciousness but temporarily cease when bhavanga consciousness is predominant.[4] (5) Mental activities that arise during one's lifetime, distinguishing periods of active thought from the underlying life-continuum consciousness (bhavanga).[5]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Separate cognitive actions that the Buddha undergoes to achieve manifestations, such as streams of water or fire.[6]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) Cognitive activities employed by Ananda in trying to understand the nature of the mind and its relation to the body.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Jain concept of 'Thought processes'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, thought processes encompass the mental activities reflecting one's cognitive understanding, suggesting that an individual's insights and awareness significantly influence their spiritual development and ethical behavior.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The mental activities engaged in, which indicate the cognitive understanding of an individual.[8]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.