The Seven Layers of Human Existence: The Thinking Parts

Fred Flintstone, our beloved cartoon caveman, is faced with a moral dilemma. Should he share his potential lottery winnings with his best friend Barney? As Fred ponders, a miniature angel appears on one shoulder, urging generosity, while a tiny devil materializes on the other, advocating selfishness.

To the Yogis, this whimsical cartoon is a profound representation of the internal struggle we all face—the battle between the forces urging us to do the 'right' and 'wrong' things. In its higher phases, we call this voice 'conscience.' In its lower phases, we call it 'temptation.'

Keep this illustration present as it will help you understand the mind as taught by the Yogis. As the saying goes, "Knowledge is power," and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of self-understanding.

This becomes evident when we consider the physical body. The way in which we have studied, analyzed, dissected, categorized, and labeled every single part of it. We can observe that it's composed of various distinct parts, each serving a specific function.

This division of the body into parts makes it easier for everyone to understand the body and how it works, doesn't it? So when it comes to our minds, we can do the same. Simply referring to it as 'the mind' doesn't offer a comprehensive understanding.

In modern psychology, the mind is divided into two parts: the conscious and the subconscious.

The Yogis, however, argue that this division is too simplistic. After all, how can the same 'subconscious' be responsible for both our basest instincts and our most sublime inspirations?

That’s why they offer a more detailed framework, so to speak. They add a further division to the 'subconscious' mind. They divide the mind into three parts:

• The Instinctive Mind

• The Intellect

• The Spiritual Mind

Coming back to the scene from The Flintstones. Fred represents the Intellect, that part of your mind that reasons. The Spiritual Mind is represented by the angel, guiding you upwards toward nobler deeds. The Instinctive Mind is represented by the devil, always tempting you to pursue and gratify the lower desires.

• Instinctive Mind: The lowest part of the subconscious mind

• Intellect: The conscious mind

• Spiritual Mind: The higher part of the subconscious mind

Each plays a crucial role in our consciousness, much like Fred's shoulder-dwelling advisors.

To the Yogis, it is key to understand how your mind works, because, as with any other practice, the better you understand it, the better you can control it. Your Intellect should supervise and control your Instinctive Mind, and you must be open to receiving inspiration and insights from the Spiritual Mind. These feelings will guide you toward higher ideals.

The key is to be able to identify the many thoughts that arise within you. So that you can have more control over those thoughts, cravings, and desires. Remember, as Yogi Ramacharaka wrote, “self-realization brings control, and control brings results.”

Let's dive deeper into each of these mental realms, exploring how they shape our thoughts, actions, and very essence.

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