The Eight Components of “Mind”

Who are we within? What are the inner workings of our minds?

Was Sigmund Freud and his theory of the Id, Ego, and Superego correct? Was the ancient Hindu Katha Upanishad correct in its analogy of the Charioteer mind as the driving forces of our mental faculties, controlled by the Atman, the Buddhi, the Manas, and the Indriyas?

As mortals, none of us may ever grasp the real truths of the universe, of which we, our minds and bodies, are a part; however, this obstacle has yet to stop humankind’s desire to image, philosophize about, and reach for these eternal truths, nor has an abundance of accumulated, competing ideas stopped each new philosopher from dropping one more model into each proverbial hat of ideas.

In reflecting specifically on this “nature of the mind” question, I humbly submit a new entry into the hat of ideas — which, let me note now, will likely be subject to change over time.

In terms of the makeup of the mind, I posit that there are seven components of mind, plus a sacred channel from our minds to that which is beyond mind and body. This sacred connection is one of particular intrigue that will be explored more in-depth in a future essay.

Furthermore, while each component of mind does its best to help each of us navigate life, I contend that there frequently arise unintended…