The human mind, comprising four distinct layers, serves as the primary instrument for educationists. The foundational layer is the citta, the storehouse of passive or potential memory that underlies all experiences. The active memory, known as manas, selects and retrieves information from this reservoir. The mind translates sensory input into thought-sensations, forming the material for thought. The intellect, buddhi, is the real instrument of thought, ordering and organizing knowledge acquired by the mind. Lastly, there is a higher layer of faculty that encompasses extraordinary powers, observed in individuals with genius-level capabilities. Understanding and nurturing these layers is paramount to unlocking the mind’s true potential.
Developing the Senses and Organs of Action:
Educationists must focus on the development of the six senses and the organs of action to optimize the mind’s functioning. The mind, as the receiver of sensory impressions, relies on the accuracy and sensitivity of these senses. Proper training and utilization of the senses, such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and even the capabilities of the hand and speech, are essential. The hand should be trained to reproduce what the eye perceives, and speech should be honed to express the knowledge held within the mind. By cultivating the senses and organs of action, educators can enhance the mind’s ability to perceive and communicate effectively.
The Significance of the Intellect:
Among the four layers, the intellect holds the utmost importance for educationists. Comprising various faculties and functions, the intellect can be divided into the comprehensive, creative, and synthetic faculties (right-hand) and the critical and analytic faculties (left-hand). The right-hand faculties encompass judgment, imagination, memory, and observation, while the left-hand faculties encompass comparison and reasoning. The critical faculties analyze and draw logical conclusions, while the right-hand faculties possess a broader and more intuitive understanding. Both sets of faculties are essential for the completeness of human reasoning, and their development is vital to provide a well-rounded education.
The Power of Genius:
The mind possesses an even higher layer of potential, exemplified by individuals with extraordinary talents or genius. These individuals exhibit sovereign discernment, intuitive perception of truth, and an inspirational capacity for speech. Their capabilities often border on revelation, making them conduits of profound knowledge. Although these powers are rare and often accompanied by error, bias, and imaginative distortions, they have played a pivotal role in advancing humanity. Educationists face the challenge of addressing and nurturing this complex element of genius in their students. While some instructors may discourage or stifle genius, more open-minded teachers recognize its value. Neglecting or suppressing these exceptional abilities is both foolish and detrimental. Educationists must strive to perfect and refine these faculties, removing errors and biases while encouraging their growth. However, this delicate process requires caution, as intervention from the teacher may inadvertently hinder the natural development of genius.
Fostering the Mind’s Potential:
In the realm of education, the primary task of the teacher is to guide the growing soul towards its own perfection. Teachers cannot eradicate genius or forcibly mold the mind’s development; instead, they must create an environment that encourages the mind to unfold naturally. By understanding and nurturing the mind’s potential at each layer, educationists can support students in unlocking their intellectual capacities, expanding their creativity, and embracing the depths of their genius.
To harness the mind’s potential, educationists must comprehend its four layers and employ appropriate strategies at each level. By developing the senses, training the organs of action, and refining the intellect, educators can provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Moreover, acknowledging and fostering genius-level capabilities is essential for advancing humanity. Striking the right balance between guidance and allowing natural growth is key to nurturing the mind’s powers effectively. By recognizing and supporting the mind’s potential, educationists can empower students to achieve remarkable intellectual and creative heights, contributing to the progress of society as a whole.
