Is mind all there is to me ?Is the process of mind a learnt phenomonon,or an inate aspect.? ?

Question

Is mind all there is to me ?Is the process of mind a learnt phenomonon,or an inate aspect.? ?

Answer 1

Understanding the functioning of our mind forms the basis of Buddhist philosophy and practice; as the first verse of the Dhammapada (quotations from the Buddha) states:

"All things are preceded by the mind, led by the mind, created by the mind."

Mind is defined in Buddhism as a non-physical phenomenon which perceives, thinks, recognizes, experiences and reacts to the environment.

The mind is described as having two main aspects: clarity and knowing; meaning that the mind is clear, formless and allows for objects to arise in it, and that the mind is knowing, an awareness, a consciousness which can engage with objects.

"What is the mind? It is a phenomenon that is not body, not substantial, has no form, no shape, no color, but, like a mirror, can clearly reflect objects."

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The two main types of mind are explained as the conceptual and the non-conceptual. The conceptual is the "normal" mind aspect we use to survive in daily life, but is ultimately mistaken about the way in which reality exists.

The non-conceptual type of mind is also called the Buddha nature, rigpa (Tib.), fundamental pure nature of mind which realizes emptiness

Study and training the mind in wisdom uses the conceptual mind, like preparing the mind before the underlying non-conceptual Buddha-nature of the mind can appear.

In Buddhist psychology, much emphasis is given to the so-called delusions, which we need to diminish and ultimately even eliminate for spiritual progress.

"Delusions are states of mind which, when they arise within our mental continuum,

leave us disturbed, confused and unhappy.

Therefore, those states of mind which delude or afflict us

are called 'delusions' or 'afflictive emotions'."

The Dalai Lama

An over 1800 year old 'one-liner' by Nagarjuna:

"Without the discipline of guarding the mind, what use are any other disciplines?"

Answer 2

I suppose without the mind we would have no perception to all that there is. "The process of mind" sounds quite vague. Certain processes such as those dealing with established convention are most likely learned. Innate aspects of the mind might be reflexes, or is that of the brain? I suppose the consciousness of reflexes?

Answer 3

Developing a mind is learned.