The Four Parts of the Mind - Vinita Bali with Sadhguru

Summary

In this insightful dialogue, Sadhguru discusses the multifaceted nature of the mind beyond the conventional intellect-centric view. He emphasizes the yogic perspective, which sees the mind as comprising intellect, identity, memory, and pure intelligence or chitta. Sadhguru critiques the overemphasis on intellect in modern society, suggesting it leads to a superficial understanding of life and a lack of depth in human experience. He advocates for a deeper exploration of one's inner dimensions for true well-being, rather than relying solely on intellectual prowess.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The concept of 'mind' in English is too generic and doesn't capture the different dimensions of the mind as understood in yogic culture.
• 📚 The mind is not just about thought; it includes memory and intelligence, with the body holding more memory than the brain.
• 👵 The body remembers everything from its ancestral lineage, including the physical traits inherited from forefathers.
• 🌏 The overemphasis on the brain and intellectual process is seen as a 'European malaise', stemming from a history of religious subjugation.
• 🔄 Thought is limited to recycling existing data and cannot produce something absolutely new, which challenges the idea of relying solely on thought for creativity.
• 🤔 The psychological drama of an individual is significant to them but should not define the nature of their life compared to the broader life process.
• 🧐 Yogic systems view the mind as having multiple parts, with four fundamental dimensions: intellect, identity, memory, and pure intelligence.
• 🔍 Intellect is sharp but needs to be handled with care, as it can cause damage if not properly managed, leading to self-inflicted suffering.
• 🏠 'Ahankara' refers to identity, which influences how the intellect functions and what it chooses to focus on.
• 📝 'Manas' represents the vast memory within the body, which is distributed and not confined to a single location.
• 💡 'Chitta' is pure intelligence, untainted by memory, and touching this dimension provides access to the source of creation and profound understanding.

Q & A

What is the fundamental difference between the concept of 'mind' in the English language and the yogic culture?

In the English language, 'mind' is a generic term that doesn't describe different dimensions of what the mind is. In yogic culture, there is no single 'mind'; instead, there are different aspects such as the physical body, mental body, memory, and intelligence.

How does Sadhguru describe the memory capacity of the human body compared to the brain?

Sadhguru explains that the human body has a trillion times more memory than the brain. He emphasizes that the body remembers everything from past generations, and this memory is not accessible through conscious thought.

What is the 'European malaise' that Sadhguru refers to, and how did it influence the significance of thought?

The 'European malaise' is a term used to describe the historical overemphasis on thought and intellectual processes in Europe, which Sadhguru attributes to a long history of religious subjugation where free thinking was suppressed, leading to an eventual celebration of thought when freedom was achieved.

Why does Sadhguru argue that thought cannot produce something absolutely new?

Sadhguru states that thought can only recycle existing data and cannot create something entirely new because it is limited to the information it has already gathered.

What does Sadhguru mean when he says that 'thought is your psychological drama'?

By 'psychological drama,' Sadhguru refers to the personal narratives and beliefs that individuals create in their minds, which are important for them but should not determine the nature of their life.

How does Sadhguru categorize the different dimensions of the mind in the yogic system?

In the yogic system, the mind is categorized into sixteen parts, which can be further broken down into 84,000 parts. However, for simplicity, Sadhguru discusses four fundamental parts: intellect (buddhi), identity (ahankara), memory (manas), and pure intelligence (chitta).

What is the role of 'ahankara' in the functioning of the intellect according to Sadhguru?

Ahankara, or identity, determines the scope of the intellect's function. The intellect operates around what an individual identifies with, influencing their perceptions and judgments.

How does Sadhguru view the relationship between intellect and suffering?

Sadhguru suggests that suffering arises from the misuse or mismanagement of intellect. A sharp intellect without proper control can cause damage, much like a sharp knife in an unsteady hand.

What does Sadhguru mean by 'manomayakosha' and its significance in the mind?

Manomayakosha refers to the vast storehouse of memory that the body carries. This memory is distributed throughout the body and plays a significant role in the functioning of the mind.

What is the significance of 'chitta' in the context of the mind and creation?

Chitta represents pure intelligence, unsullied by memory. Sadhguru suggests that accessing chitta allows one to connect with the source of creation, which is characterized by phenomenal intelligence beyond human comprehension.

How does Sadhguru critique modern education's approach to intellect development?

Sadhguru criticizes modern education for focusing solely on feeding information and sharpening intellect without considering other dimensions of the mind. He argues that this approach will not lead to well-being and overlooks the deeper aspects of life.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Multifaceted Nature of Mind and Memory

In this paragraph, Sadhguru discusses the complexity of the concept of 'mind' and distinguishes it from the physical and mental bodies. He emphasizes the vast memory stored in our physical bodies, which surpasses our conscious memory. Sadhguru critiques the overemphasis on intellectual thought in European culture, suggesting it stems from a history of religious subjugation. He explains that thought is limited to recycling past data and cannot produce something entirely new, thus should not be celebrated excessively. The yogic perspective views the mind as having multiple dimensions, with the physical body holding more memory than the brain, and the intellect being just one part of it.

05:04

🌐 The Dangers of Overvaluing Intellect and Identity

Sadhguru delves into the perils of overvaluing intellect, suggesting that it can lead to a false sense of knowing and a loss of life's exuberance. He uses the example of children who, despite having access to vast information, feel bored due to lack of experiential learning. The speaker warns of a potential future where a significant portion of the population may feel disillusioned with life. He also touches upon the concept of 'ahankara' or identity, explaining how our intellect functions within the confines of our identity and how a sharp intellect without a steady hand can cause more harm than good. Sadhguru encourages a deeper understanding of the mind beyond just intellect and memory.

10:07

🌟 The Dimensions of Mind: Intellect, Identity, Memory, and Pure Intelligence

In this segment, Sadhguru outlines the four fundamental dimensions of the mind according to yogic culture. He starts with 'buddhi' or intellect, followed by 'ahankara' or identity, which shapes how intellect operates. The third dimension is 'manas', described as a vast reservoir of memory distributed throughout the body. Lastly, he introduces 'chitta', which represents pure intelligence, untainted by memory. Sadhguru emphasizes that true understanding and well-being cannot be achieved by merely sharpening the intellect or accumulating information, but by exploring these deeper dimensions of the mind.

Keywords

💡Mind

In the context of the video, 'Mind' is not a singular entity but a complex construct that includes various dimensions such as intellect, memory, and identity. Sadhguru emphasizes that the mind is not just a thinking organ but a combination of memory and intelligence, which is far more extensive than what is typically acknowledged in Western cultures. The video discusses the limitations of focusing solely on the intellect and the importance of understanding the mind's other aspects.

💡Intellect

Intellect, as mentioned by Sadhguru, refers to the cognitive faculty of the mind that processes information and reason. He warns against overvaluing intellect, suggesting that an overemphasis on it can lead to a disconnection from life's deeper experiences and a false sense of knowing. The script illustrates this with the example of children who, despite having access to vast information, may feel a sense of boredom and lack of purpose.

💡Memory

Memory, in the script, is described as being not only a cognitive function but also a physical one, with the body holding a vast amount of memory that influences our present. Sadhguru points out that the body's memory is far superior to the brain's, and this memory is inherited and unconscious, shaping our identities and behaviors without our direct awareness.

💡Ahankara

Ahankara, a term from yogic culture, refers to the sense of identity or self. It is the aspect of the mind that defines who and what we identify with, which in turn influences the functioning of our intellect. Sadhguru uses ahankara to explain how our identification with certain things, such as nationality, can shape our perceptions and judgments.

💡Manas

Manas represents the aspect of the mind that is a 'huge volume of memory,' according to Sadhguru. It is the part of the mind that holds the collective experiences and impressions, which are distributed throughout the body. The script suggests that understanding and tapping into this memory can provide a deeper connection to one's self and the world.

💡Chitta

Chitta is described as 'pure intelligence' in the script, an aspect of the mind that is untainted by memory and represents the source of creation. Sadhguru suggests that accessing chitta can provide insights beyond the limitations of intellect and memory, offering a more profound understanding of existence.

💡Yogic Culture

Yogic Culture is referenced as a system of understanding that differs from Western perspectives, particularly in how it views the mind and its functions. The script highlights that in yogic culture, the mind is seen as multifaceted and not solely reliant on the intellect, which contrasts with the Western tendency to prioritize thought and analysis.

💡Thought Process

The 'Thought Process' is discussed as a limited mechanism for generating new ideas, as it can only work with existing data. Sadhguru argues that an over-reliance on thought can prevent the emergence of true creativity and innovation, as it is inherently bound to past experiences and knowledge.

💡Psychological Drama

Psychological Drama refers to the personal narratives and emotional experiences that individuals create for themselves. In the script, Sadhguru suggests that while these dramas are significant to the individual, they should not dictate the course of one's life, as they represent a small part of the larger life process.

💡Identity

Identity, as discussed in the context of ahankara, is the sense of self that is formed by what one identifies with. It shapes the intellect's focus and can lead to a limited perspective if not consciously and steadily created. The script uses identity to illustrate how our affiliations and allegiances can bias our thinking.

💡Well-being

Well-being is presented as a state that cannot be achieved solely through intellectual development or information consumption. Sadhguru implies that true well-being requires a deeper exploration of one's inner dimensions, such as chitta, and a connection to the source of creation.

Highlights

Sadhguru emphasizes that the English word 'mind' is too generic and doesn't capture the different dimensions of the mind.

In yogic culture, the concept of 'mind' is different, consisting of a physical and mental body, with memory and intelligence being key components.

The body holds more memory than the brain, with ancestral traits being passed down through generations.

Sadhguru critiques the European focus on intellectual thought, suggesting it arose from a history of religious subjugation.

Thought is limited to recycling past data and cannot produce something absolutely new.

Intellectual thought is not the ultimate goal, and its overemphasis can lead to a lack of new experiences and creativity.

Modern society's reliance on intellect may lead to a generation of bored and disillusioned children.

Sadhguru predicts a potential rise in suicide rates if the current trend of intellectual overemphasis continues.

Intellect is like a scalpel, sharp but needing a steady hand to avoid causing harm.

Ahankara, or identity, is a key part of the mind and influences how intellect functions.

Manas, or memory, is a vast component of the mind, with the entire body carrying memories.

Chitta represents pure intelligence, unsullied by memory, and is the source of creation.

Sadhguru challenges conventional ideas of God, suggesting they are human-made concepts due to a lack of understanding of creation.

The yogic system breaks down the mind into multiple parts, with four fundamental dimensions being intellect, identity, memory, and pure intelligence.

Modern education's focus on feeding information and sharpening intellect is insufficient for true well-being.

Sadhguru calls for a deeper exploration into one's own nature for true understanding and well-being.

Transcripts

Vinita Bali: So, Sadhguru, what is a creative mind?

Sadhguru: Oh!

How big an answer do you want?

Vinita Bali: As big as you want it.

Sadhguru: See, the English word mind doesn’t say anything

because it’s just one generic word,

which does not describe different dimensions of what the mind is.

Mind is not just one something sitting here (Gestures) and doing something, okay?

There is really no such thing as mind.

In the yogic culture, there is no mind.

There is a physical body, there is a mental body

because what you are calling as mind right now is a certain combination of memory and intelligence.

There is memory in your body,

more memory in your body than you can imagine.

If I have to get at you again, it’s okay, I’m picking on you.

You definitely don’t remember how your great-great-great-great-great-grandmother looked like

but her nose is sitting on your face right now.

Yes?

Vinita Bali: Yes.

Sadhguru: You don’t remember a thing consciously

but your body remembers one hundred percent.

How ten generations ago, your grandmother was, your body still remembers.

A million years ago, how your forefathers were, your… still your body remembers, isn’t it?

It’s not forgotten and it’s not going to forget.

Your mind is not capable of this kind of memory.

Your body has a trillion times more memory than your so-called brain.

This whole shift towards the brain and intellectual process

is a European malaise

they gave too much significance to thought.

This has happened because they lived under a subjugated society,

religiously subjugated society where you are not supposed to think anything

except what’s written in some book, otherwise you are dead.

They lived like this for a longtime.

Because of this, when they got little freedom to think and managed to live,

they started celebrating their thought too much.

Let’s understand the context of thought.

You can only think from the data that you already have gathered.

That means you can never think anything new.

You can recycle it,

you can rehash it,

you can produce permutations and combinations of it

but you cannot think something absolutely new.

It is not in the nature of the thought to come up with something new.

It can only recycle the past.

That means if you dedicate yourself to your thought process,

if you enshrine your thought process,

you are ensuring nothing new ever happens in your life.

So thought need not be celebrated like this.

That’s why in this culture, thought is never been given so much significance.

What you think is your psychological drama.

We don’t think much about that (Laughs)

because it’s your drama.

Your drama is important for you, somebody else’s drama, it’s important for them,

everybody thinks their drama is the most important drama in the universe.

This is everybody’s experience

because they are so identified with their own psychological drama.

This psychological drama should not determine the nature of your life

because this is just a small happening compared to the life process.

Life is a much deeper intelligence than intellect.

We can look at

The yogic system looks at the mind as sixteen parts.

Those sixteen parts are further broken

and they’re taken up to 84,000 parts.

But now, if I talk about 84,000, already there’s a segment which says no,

so I will make it four.

I am taking away eighty, okay?

I’m being fair to you - only four!

Four fundamental parts.

One is the intellect, which we have

In modern world, in today’s world,

we are unnecessarily giving too much significance to intellect

and we will pay an enormous price for this.

You will come to a place where you’ll know everything

but you’ll know nothing of life significance,

really.

Today, you will see this happening to children.

For the first time, this generation you see

ten, eleven-year-old or twelve-year-old children, they look bored.

When you were ten-eleven, you did not what is boredom, it was not possible.

It was too exciting to be alive and looking around.

You will see ten, twelve-year-old children, all looking bored

because they’ve seen the cosmos through their phone screen.

They know it all

and especially in the western countries, you will see this happening at eight-ten,

they are really bored.

You will see in the school buses, they are all sitting like this (Gestures) (Laughter),

bored,

because by the time you are twelve, you already had one love affair,

you know what is a break,

you know how to… all this recover from that,

you tasted alcohol,

you’ve seen this,

probably you’ve gone into all kinds of physical things

and you know the cosmos.

What more?

By the time you’re fifteen, there’s really no purpose for you to exist, for many of them.

You should not be surprised,

if this culture continues

I’m not saying this as a prediction,

it is something that I see beginning to happen

in another fifty or hundred years’ time,

if twenty-five to fifty percent of the people commit suicide, you should not be surprised

because life needs some exuberance.

If too much information happens to you without experience,

that exuberance will be gone and a sense of… false sense of knowing becomes so strong in you.

This is the danger of intellect because intellects wants to

intellect wants to dissect everything.

Intellect is like a scalpel - the sharper it is, the better it is.

It wants to dissect and know.

Dissection works with some things, not with all aspects of life.

If you want to know… The poor frog, you know,

you remember, tch,

the poor frog that you crucified and cut

and great knowledge you acquired from all that torture is unbelievable (Laughter).

How much knowledge you know

For the torture that that frog went through,

how much knowledge you have acquired is quite unbelievable.

All that you got to know.

Now you’ve got interest… suddenly you got interested,

the mother that you had ignored, you want to know your mother today.

Please get yourself a sharp knife,

start the dissection.

You may know everything about her liver, kidney, heart

but you won’t have a mother left, that’s all.

So, life cannot be known by breaking it up.

You can know physical things by breaking it up.

You cannot know life by breaking it into pieces

but this is the nature of the intellect.

The whole modern science has evolved from human intellect.

Because it’s produced technological benefits,

you can’t argue against it

because people, you know (Laughs),

they… they think they are scientists, they know nothing about science.

They’re just enjoying their iPhone.

They think they are scientists because they can do this (Gestures).

No, technology is fine, it’s brought much comfort and convenience

but it’ll not bring life to us.

So, intellect is like this.

Intellect will be useful only depending upon what it is identified with

and what is held, what holds this, how steadily.

So, the next dimension of the mind

The first one is called as buddhi, which is the intellect.

The second one is called as ahankara.

Ahankara does not mean ego, this, that,

it means the identity.

Whatever you’re identified with,

your intellect functions only around that.

Simple,

if you just identify with a nation, if you say, “I’m an Indian,”

everything Indian looks beautiful.

If you cross the border and you say you are something else,

all that looks beautiful.

So, whatever you’re identified with, it’s only with that the intellect functions.

So ahankara is the identity.

How consciously and how steadily your ahankara has been created

will determine the effectiveness of your intellect.

Just because it’s sharp, it does not mean it’ll be effective

because sharp intellect or a sharp knife can cause any amount of damage to you.

If you have a sharp knife and you don’t have a steady hand,

you will cut yourself all over the place.

That’s all that’s happening.

Human suffering is just this

you don’t know how to hold this intellect in your hand properly.

Every day, you’re cutting yourself.

Self… All suffering is on self-help because

your own mind causing this to you all the time.

No matter what happens, people suffer, whichever way, they suffer,

because they don’t know how to hold this intellect.

If you had the mind of an earthworm, you would be quite peaceful.

Yes (Laughs)?

You’re trying to do it in so many ways to reduce the sharpness of the intellect

by drink, by drug, by overeating, by doing all kinds of things,

somehow to take away the sharpness

because the damn thing hurts.

It hurts not because that’s its nature,

it hurts because you do not know how to hold it.

The next dimension of the mind is called as manas,

which is a huge volume of memory.

It is not here or there, entire body carries memory.

So manomayakosha, this is called, a huge sack of memory.

This memory is in various stacks, we’ll not go into all these details

considering some people have said a clear no.

They don’t want to have a mind, I’m sorry,

they don’t want to know anything about the mind (Laughter).

So, the fourth dimension of the mind is called as chitta.

Chitta means it’s pure intelligence.

It is unsullied by memory,

it has no trace of any kind of memory,

it’s just pure intelligence.

If you touch this, then you have access to what you are referring as

the source of creation

because all kinds of things might have been fed to you

god is this, god is love, god is compassion, god is kind, what… whatever (Laughs).

Somebody come, stand on the edge of this stage, say all the prayer you want to say and fall.

Let me see whether compassion happens to you or a cracked bone happens to you,

I would like to check, all right?

All these things have been made up

because whatever somebody is deprived of,

they will attribute that quality to their idea of god.

Your ideas of god have come only because

you do not know what… how this whole creation happened.

Because you don’t have an answer, you made it up.

Because you are human being, you said,

“A big human being is sitting up there. Oh, how can he do all this?”

if somebody asked, he has ten hands,

so he does lot of things not like you, whatever.

It’s all right for children

but essentially, because you do not how creation happened,

you are coming up with explanations.

So, that which is the source of creation

don’t believe what I say, what anybody says -

pay attention to one piece of creation.

Just take a flower, pay attention to this,

pay an attention to a leaf or an atom or an ant

all you will see is phenomenal intelligence beyond anything you can imagine.

Yes?

But nobody told you, “God is intelligence.”

But this culture has said this to you in many ways -

they told you chidhakasha, chidambara and so many things to tell you,

if you touch your chit, the whole existence becomes yours.

Everything that’s worth knowing is right here (Gestures)

because you have access to the source of creation.

So, these are the four types of your… four dimensions of your mind.

Unfortunately, the modern education thinks by just

feeding information and keeping the intellect reasonably sharp, everything is going to happen

no

You will rip this planet apart looking for well-being,

you may lose the planet or you may manage to go to another planet and start your work again there (Laughter)

but well-being will not happen.

If well-being has to happen, you have to dig a little deeper into this one (Referring to oneself),

otherwise no.