Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Asuddha Manas Mean?
Asuddha manas is Sanskrit for the “desire or instinct mind.” This word translates as asuddha, meaning “impure” and manas meaning “mind.”
According to the teachings of the Upanishads, there are two kinds of mind, the pure, or sattvic, mind and the impure, or asuddha, mind. The asuddha manas is considered impure, as it is based on desire and instinct and is not controllable without the practice of meditation.
Yogapedia Explains Asuddha Manas
The mind is considered to be a series of unregulated thoughts. In its unregulated state, the mind is considered impure, or asuddha manas, as the thoughts are desire, passion or instinct-based. The asuddha mind is deeply immersed in the physical world and is unaware of itself as being impure. Asuddha manas is clouded with delusion and is very concerned with material life and possessions in the physical world. Through the practice of yoga and meditation, this base mind can become pure, or sattvic, and the yogi will be able to relinquish their delusion and attachment to physical pleasure.
Once the mind is sattvic, the yogi is able to discern universal truths and be in control of the thoughts of the mind. The sattvic mind is able to respond to thoughts that are passion, desire or instinct-based rather than react to them without consideration in the way asuddha manas does.
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