Article: A REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND: CONCEPTUAL CORRELATION OF AVCHETAN MANA AND MANAS

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.166228

Pages: 140-143

Author: Arvind Kumar *, Shyoram Sharma

Abstract: “Avchetan Mana” (subconscious mind) refers to mental processes that operate below conscious awareness, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Though popularized in modern psychology and self-help literature, its conceptual parallels with the concept of Manas (mind) invite scholarly correlation. In Ayurveda, Manas is integral to holistic health, bridging Atma (soul) and Sharir (body). A narrative theoretical review was conducted, surveying classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka, Sushruta, and commentaries) and modern scholarly articles on Manas and subconscious psychology. The study mapped overlapping properties, functions, and therapeutic models. Emphasis was placed on how subconscious processes may be framed within Ayurvedic doctrine of Satva, Rajas, and Tamas, and how Manasika Vikaras (mental derangements) emerge. Ayurvedic doctrine portrays Manas as an Atindriya faculty (beyond direct senses) of Anutva (atomicity) and Ekatva (oneness). It mediates between sensory inputs (Jnanendriya), motor outputs (Karmendriya), and inner cognitive states via functions like Vichara, Uhya, and Indriyabhigraha. The subconscious domain of modern thought corresponds to the latent potential within Manas shaped by the three Gu?as (especially Tamas and Rajas). Imbalance in Gu?as predisposes to Manasika Vikaras, which then manifest physiologically. Ayurvedic therapies—especially Sattvavajaya Chikitsa—aim to regulate Manas by strengthening Satva and restraining harmful impulses. The concept of Avchetan Mana can be reconciled with Ayurvedic Manas by viewing subconscious contents as embedded in the Guna-conditioned structure of mind. Ayurvedic frameworks offer a rich, time-tested model to interpret how latent mental tendencies influence health and disease. Integrating modern psychological insight with Ayurvedic mental theory may enrich psychotherapeutic strategies and holistic mental-health care.

Keyword: Avchetan Mana, Mana, Ayurveda, Subconscious Mind, Mind.