In the light of Vedanta’s treatment of the concept of ‘Manas’, consider the following statements:
(A) Manas is an independent reality
(B) Manas is a fundamental substance
(C) Manas is not an Indriya (Sense organ)
(D) Manas is invisible and infinitesimal substance
(E) Manas is a function of Antahkarana

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

InVedanta philosophy, particularlyAdvaita Vedanta,Manas(the mind) is understood as follows:

(E) Manas is a function of Antahkarana→Antahkarana(inner instrument) has four aspects:Manas(mind, doubting faculty),Buddhi(intellect, decision-making),Chitta(memory), andAhamkara(ego). Thus,Manasis a functional aspect ofAntahkarana.

Information Booster:

1. In Vedanta, Manas is regarded as the internal organ responsible for sensory coordination and mental activities.

2. It mediates between the external sense organs and the intellect (Buddhi).

3. Manas is not an independent reality but a subtle material entity subordinate to the higher self (Atman).

4. The Antahkarana includes Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (ego), and Chitta (memory).

5. Manas processes sensory inputs and prepares them for the intellect to analyze.

Additional Information:

(B) Manas as a fundamental substance is incorrect since Vedanta treats only Brahman as fundamental reality.

(D) While Manas is subtle and invisible, Vedanta emphasizes its functional role rather than just its substance.