Pathology of the Mind from the Perspective of Transcendent Theosophy

Abstract

The “mind” (dhihn) is defined as intellect or the locus of intellection and cognition. What enters the domain of the mind may either be truth, reality, and a representation of external existence, or, as a result of certain cognitive deficiencies, may become subject to error, deviation from truth, and illusion. This study was conducted using a descriptive–analytical method and was compiled through library-based and digital sources. It first explicates the nature of the mind and its relationship with the soul (nafs), and then examines the factors that cause damage to the mind, the manner in which the mind is harmed, and consequently the manner in which knowledge and cognition are impaired. The study maintains that, from the standpoint of Transcendent Theosophy, the mind—being the soul’s capacity for cognition—is susceptible to intensity and weakness; if the mind is strong, the soul also becomes strong, because a direct and reciprocal relationship exists between the mind and the soul, and the mind is counted among the faculties of the soul. Accordingly, if the mind becomes afflicted with cognitive error, the soul is likewise afflicted, which is expressed as illusion or ignorance. Moreover, by analyzing the manner in which knowledge is realized in the mind, the study explains that due to the unity of the knower, knowledge, and the known, any error or damage affecting any one of these will result in cognitive error and false knowledge. Furthermore, the brain serves as the material ground for cognition; if it is damaged, the mind, thought, and the soul will all suffer deficiency, impairment, and illusion. Thought, which is the movement of the mind from the known toward the discovery of the unknown and is among the acts of the mind, is likewise affected whenever damage occurs to the mind or the soul; consequently, the knowledge produced through such a process will be unreal, illusory, and a deviation from truth.