2023.04.27 - Consciousness according to sankhya and modern science. Class 2 (IIT Mandi) - BV Goswami

The famous model of the brain is called triune brain. It consists of three units: 1) reptile brain, which is in charge of the most basic functions of the body; 2) limbic system, emotional part of the brain, which is programmed to produce certain emotions; 3) neocortex is in charge of our speech, developed thought process, imagination etc. There is a very direct correspondence between this model and Sankhya model.

There are three main elements of the Sankhya cognitive process: 1) ego; 2) emotional mind; 3) rational mind or buddhi. Ego corresponds to the reptile brain. Limbic system corresponds to the mind. Mind has two basic functions: sankalpa and vikalpa, accepting and rejecting. Buddhi is in charge of the recognition and proper interaction with the objects. There is also the fourth element of our consciousness, which is called citta. Ahankara, buddhi and manas are parts of a complete whole called citta.

The most subtle thing is pure consciousness. Then comes the first material element called mahat or citta, it helps consciousness to identify with matter. Then comes ahankara, which is the sum total of different samskaras or experiences that we had in the past. Ahankara gives it a gross shape, or mold. In this mold there is an emotional mind and intelligence that makes the whole machine work. Ahankara separates us from the rest of the world.

Citta is in the area of the physical heart. The heart actually controls the brain, there are more neural connections coming to the brain from the heart. Ahankara, manas and buddhi are nothing but the contamination of citta. The original citta can not only properly reflect reality, but also catch the image of God. The first and gross contamination of citta is ego, which distorts reality. We see reality through the lens of ego, a sense of separateness from the rest of reality. Therefore, any spiritual tradition, consciously or unconsciously, works on purifying citta. This is the goal of any spiritual discipline, it develops certain methods of how to alleviate the contamination, which is spread over our consciousness.

We can purify this or that samskara, but the main problem remains intact. This problem is so deeply hidden that we do not even understand it consciously – I am special, I am independent of God. Therefore the first step for purification is called saranagati – I am not independent anymore. Saranagati has six limbs, they represent the stages of purification of manas, buddhi and ahankara. The first step is that I recognize the truth that I am dependent on God. The next two limbs of saranagati are: I understand that I am not protecting myself, God is behind everything, and I am not maintaining myself, God is making sure that I get everything. Last limbs of saranagati are: I become humble and meek, and I am not separate from God. When our citta becomes pure we understand the reality that we are an eternal soul.

Questions.