Sanskrit Lexicon
मनस्
Manas
manas
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Manas.
Pronunciation
mah-nahs
AEO Summary
Manas is the sensory, perceiving, and doubtful aspect of the mind that processes external information.
Primary Meanings
- Mind
- Sensory processing faculty
- Thought-generator
- Attention
Tradition Context
Yoga Psychology
The lower, sensory mind. It receives inputs from the five senses, coordinates them, and generates endless chains of doubtful or continuous thought.
Scriptural Usage
Bhagavad Gita 6.34
"cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa pramāthi balavad dṛḍham"
— For the mind (Manas) is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna.
Significance: Arjuna complains about the uncontrollability of the sensory mind, comparing it to attempting to control the wind.
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