Chitt Aur Man

Summary of "Chitt aur Man" by Mahapragna Acharya

This book, "Chitt aur Man" (Mind and Consciousness), authored by Mahapragna Acharya and published by Jain Vishva Bharati, delves deeply into the nature, functions, and impact of the mind and consciousness from a Jain philosophical and psychological perspective. The book, drawing from the teachings of Acharya Tulsi and the principles of Preksha Dhyana, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex aspects of human existence.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts discussed in the book:

1. The Distinction Between Chitt (Consciousness) and Man (Mind):

• A central theme is clarifying the often-confused concepts of "Chitt" and "Man."
• Chitt (Consciousness) is presented as the fundamental essence of our being, our pure consciousness, the knower. It is the conscious, aware aspect.
• Man (Mind) is described as a tool or an instrument of consciousness, often associated with the subconscious or the processing faculties. It is seen as a system of tendencies and mental activities.
• The book emphasizes the importance of understanding this distinction for spiritual and psychological well-being, noting that many philosophical and psychological traditions, including Freudian and Jungian psychology, have struggled with this delineation.

2. The Nature and Function of the Mind (Man):

• Mind is fluid and impermanent: The mind is defined not as a static entity but as a "flow-existence" (प्रवाहात्मक अस्तित्व) that is active through consciousness. It is compared to language, existing only during the act of speaking ("भासिज्जमानी भासा") or thinking ("मन्यमान" मन).
• Mind is a momentary phenomenon: It exists only during the act of thinking or mental processing.
• Mind's role as a servant: The mind is depicted as a tool or an employee of the "Swami" (the Self or Consciousness). It executes commands but is not responsible for the morality of those commands. The blame for good or bad actions rests with the master (Chitt/Self), not the servant (Man).
• Mind's functions: The mind is responsible for memory, imagination, contemplation, decision-making, and the formation of concepts. It operates across past (memory), present (contemplation), and future (imagination).
• The mind's location: The book discusses various traditional and scientific views on the mind's location, from pervading the entire body to being centered in the heart or brain, ultimately concluding that its influence is pervasive through the nervous system.

3. The Nature and Levels of Consciousness (Chitt):

• Consciousness is the core: Chitt is the fundamental consciousness, the knower.
• Levels of Consciousness: The book touches upon the graded development of consciousness across different life forms, from single-celled organisms to humans. It also alludes to states of consciousness like alertness, concentration, and meditation.
• Mind and Consciousness are distinct: While the mind (Man) is often seen as a tool of consciousness, the book emphasizes that consciousness (Chitt) itself is the underlying reality.

4. The Influence of External Factors on the Mind:

• Sound and Vibration: The text discusses how sound and vibration influence the mind. It draws from Jain insights into "Shabd" (sound) and its subtle properties, connecting it to modern scientific understanding of sound waves. The impact of mantra chanting and the science of sound are highlighted.
• Colors and their Psychological Effects: The book explores the concept of Color Therapy ("Color Therapy," "Cosmic Ray Therapy") and how colors influence our thoughts, emotions, and even physical well-being. It connects colors to the Jain concept of "Leshya" (subtle colors associated with mental states).
• Environment: The influence of the external environment, including geographical location, celestial bodies (astrology), and even the surrounding atmosphere, on the mind is discussed, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things.

5. Overcoming Mental Problems and Achieving Peace:

• The source of unrest: The book identifies the mind's restlessness, uncontrolled thoughts, desires, and the accumulation of negative tendencies (samskaras) as the root of mental unrest and suffering.
• "A-man" (Non-mind) as the Solution: The ultimate solution proposed is not controlling the mind but transcending it, reaching a state of "A-man" (non-mind) or pure consciousness.
• Practices for Mental Discipline: The book outlines practices like mindfulness (Preksha), concentration, breath control (Pranayama), and ethical conduct (Samyama) as essential for gaining mastery over the mind.
• The Importance of Attitude: A key takeaway is the power of attitude and perspective in shaping our mental state. Cultivating equanimity (Samata), detachment (Vairagya), and a positive outlook are crucial.
• The Role of Karma: The Jain concept of Karma is integrated, suggesting that our present mental states and tendencies are influenced by past actions and karmic residues. Understanding and working with karma is presented as a path to mental liberation.
• The Path to Self-Realization: The book guides readers towards self-realization through practices that lead to mental stillness, clarity, and the eventual transcendence of the limitations of the ordinary mind.

6. The Five Koshas and Mental States:

• The book implicitly or explicitly refers to the yogic concept of Koshas (sheaths of existence) as different levels of experience and consciousness, which are influenced by mental states and practices.

7. The Role of "Chitt" in Mental Well-being:

• "Chitt" is crucial for managing the mind. When Chitt is stable, the mind becomes calm. Practices that stabilize Chitt are essential for mental peace and the development of higher consciousness.

8. Practical Application through Preksha Dhyana:

• The book emphasizes that the principles discussed are not just theoretical but are practically applied through Preksha Dhyana, a meditative practice that cultivates awareness, self-control, and inner peace.

In essence, "Chitt aur Man" is a profound exploration of the inner world, offering a framework for understanding the mind and consciousness from a spiritual and psychological viewpoint. It advocates for self-awareness, self-discipline, and inner transformation as the path to true mental and spiritual well-being, drawing upon the rich philosophical heritage of Jainism.