Manas : Vedic outlook 

The Vedas have presented a detailed and sublime understanding of Manas. Functions of the Manas are multilayered, vastly widespread and multi-dimensional. Thinking is not the only function of Manas, as generally understood. What are the functions of Manas? Yajurveda-34 presents a detailed account of the functions of Manas. This Sukta (a Sukta is a bunch of Vaidika Mantras) is ‘Shiva Sankalpa Sukta’.  (Rishi of this Sukta is Shiva-sankalpa, Devata is Manas, Svara is Dhaivata and Chanda is Virat Tristup).

Before we learn about the content of Manas in Yajurveda, let us have a look at Taittiriyopanishad (Brahmananda Balli, 2nd Anuvak):

‘Tasmad-va etasmad-anna-rasamayad-anyo’ntara atma prana-mayah. Tenaisha purnah’; This Atman is covered by Prana. This Atman is different from this (body) which is made of fine content of food.

‘Tasmad-va etasmat pranamayad-anyo’ntara atma manomayah. Tenaisha purnah’; This Atman is covered by Manas. This Atman is different from this Atman which is made of Prana.

Note: These two Upanishadic statements educate us about the subtlety of Prana and Manas. Though this duo is different from Atman, yet this duo is quite close to Atman when it comes to its fineness. But Manas is closer to Atman than Prana. It is because Manas is subtler that Prana.    

(Complete article on request) 

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