Mind and Its Purification in the Philosophy of Advaita Vedanta

Abstract

The concept of mind occupies an important place in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. The mind consists of three gunas, namely, sattva, rajas and tamas. Every man is a combination of all the three gunas, in varying proportions and they constantly act on one another. Sattva represents knowledge and calmness, Rajas represents activity and desire, and Tamas represents laziness and ignorance. The mind is capable of purification (citta suddhi/ sattva suddhi). It refers to the betterment of character. Purification of the mind is the mandatory condition for the onset of Brahman-atman knowledge.  Purification of the mind is effected by providing the mind with wholesome food and through the process of bringing about a change in the constitution of the mind in such a manner that sattva predominates over the other two gunas, namely rajas and tamas.