Manas (मनस्)

Manas is the mind, one of the four components of the 'Antahkarana' (inner instrument). Its primary function is 'Sankalpa.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

मनोबुद्धिरहंकारश्चित्तं करणमान्तरम्।

— (Sankhya Karika - Interpreted)

Explanation

Manas is the mind, one of the four components of the ‘Antahkarana’ (inner instrument). Its primary function is ‘Sankalpa-Vikalpa’ (to think and doubt, to process sensory information). It acts as the bridge between the external senses (Indriyas) and the higher intellect (Buddhi). The qualities of the mind are described by the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas).

Clinical Importance

Mental health is central to Ayurveda. The state of the Manas directly impacts physical health and vice-versa (psychosomatic relationship). Treatments like meditation, mantras, and specific herbs (Medhya Rasayanas) are used to calm and clarify the Manas.