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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism452
(3) Mind; Mind-substance (Chitta).
Let us first see what physical science has to say regarding what is known
as “Mind.” Western material science has hazarded many theories regarding
the nature of Mind. As a rule they have discarded the theories of the
metaphysicians and philosophers of the past, and have sought to find a
material basis for mental phenomena. They have tried to find a satisfactory
theory along the lines that Mind is simply a manifestation of Matter—a
chemical effect—a mechanical effect, etc.—something growing out of;
emanating from; or manifesting from Matter. One leading scientist has
hazarded the idea that the brain secreted Mind, just as the liver secreted
bile. Just think of it—Mind a secretion of Matter! The materialists have made
the mistake of commencing at the wrong end. They would make Matter the
Ultimate and Absolute, and Energy and Mind something springing from it,
when the reverse of that process would be far nearer correct according to
the Yogi teachings. However, advanced science is beginning to see its error,
and is inclining to the idea that Mind, Energy, and Matter are one thing—
different forms of something that they are calling “Substance,” and similar
names. They are drawing much nearer to the “dreams” of the occultists,
whom they formerly despised.
Webster defines “Mind” as follows: “The intellectual or rational faculty
in man; the understanding; the power that conceives, judges or reasons,”
which definition entirely overlooks the fact that Mind is manifest in the lower
animals, and in plant life, and even in minerals. However, those holding the
idea that Mind belongs to man alone, call the Mind of animals, instinct,
appetency, etc., and the Mind in minerals, “chemical affinity,” etc. “Instinct”
is the term generally applied to the mental operations of the lower animals,
and “Appetency” is defined as follows by the authority above mentioned:
“Appetency is the tendency of organized bodies to select and imbibe such
portions of matter as serve to support and nourish them, or such particles
as are designed through their agency, to carry on the animal or vegetable
economy.” So that those holding the theory of man’s monopoly of Mind,