Sunday, August 15, 2010

MIND/SELF/ਮਨ

ABSTRACT

Mind is the human collective conscious and unconscious processes that are manifest in our thoughts, perceptions, and emotions.  They are also reflected in our will, memory, imagination, and reasoning.  It is this knowledge, which directs and influences our physical behavior.  In all organisms, such a process originates in the brain. The spiritual awakening of the mind makes one aware of his deeper Universal Self residing therein.
ਆਪਿ ਮੂਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਜਾਨਿਆ
ਨਜਰਿ ਭਈ ਘਰੁ ਘਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਨਿਆ
ap Moo-aa Mann Mann Tay Jaani-aa, Najar Bha-ee Ghar Ghar Tay Jaani-aa.

When the egotistical selfhood dies, the individual mind comes to know the Supreme. Mind and the inner vision is awakened, one comes to know one's own home, deep within the self.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 153-11
                                          ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ
ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਜੀ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਰੰਗੁ ਮਾਣੁ ॥
Mann ṯūʼn joṯ sarūp hai āpṇā mūl pacẖẖāṇ. Mann har jī ṯerai nāl hai gurmaṯī rang māṇ.

O my mind, you are the embodiment of the Divine Light - recognize your own origin. O my mind, the Dear God is with you; through the Guru's Teachings, enjoy God’s Love.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 441-3

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The Higher Self is the idea of a unified being which is the source of an idiosyncratic consciousness.

Neuro-Anatomy and Physiology of the brain:

The human brain has two hemispheres connected through corpus callosum containing 300 million axonal connecting fibers and has about a hundred billion neurons, each of which can make 5,000 to10, 000 synaptic connections with other neurons thus making from 500 trillion to 1000 trillion synapses in the adult brain. Each hemisphere has a different integrated function as a part of the whole. For comparison Library of Congress has 32 trillion bytes and individual PC about 100 billion bytes.  Synapses are strengthened or weakened or formed anew.  Memory is a stored pattern of connections formed by the brain’s neurons or nerve cells. A chemical neurotransmitter is released by one neuron signals another and the sensory input is received by a sensitive part of the cortex of the brain.

Thought in terms of neural activity “probably results from the momentary ‘pattern’ of stimulation of many different parts of the nervous system.  At the same time thought probably involves most significantly the cerebral cortex, thalamus, limbic system, and the upper reticular formation of the brain stem. This is called the holistic theory of thoughts. The stimulated areas of the limbic system, thalamus, and reticular formation perhaps determine the general nature of thought like pleasure, pain, and comfort.  Also involved are crude modalities of sensation, localization to gross areas of the body, and other general characteristics. Stimulated areas of cerebral cortex probably determine the discrete characteristics of thought such as specific localization of sensation in the body and the objects in the fields of vision.

In physiological terms, consciousness is described as our continuing stream of awareness of either our surroundings or our sequential thoughts. It has been proved by neuron-scientific research that in the left prefrontal cortex, an area just behind the left forehead, is the place where brain activity associated with a meditation on self and spiritual progress is especially intense. Davidson's research corroborates that the left prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain associated with happiness and positive thoughts and emotions. It suggests that meditation and mindfulness of spirituality in our quest to know the Self, to tame the Amygdala (emotional center).  This area of the brain is the hub of fear memory. The “Negative feelings” of anger or fear, brain activity localizes in this emotional center, and the right prefrontal cortex. On the other hand “Positive emotions” of happiness and well being affect the left prefrontal cortex areas of the brain. It is the ratio of right to left activity that determines one’s “Emotional set point.” If the ratio leans to the right one tends to be unhappy.  If it leans to the left, he will be upbeat, happy, and positive. These changes have been repeatedly documented with FMRI’s (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) and CT scans of the brain by many psychologists and physio-psychiatrists.

There are several mechanisms resulting from physical or chemical changes in the presynaptic terminal or entire presynaptic neuron. There are two separate presynaptic terminals. One from a primary input sensory neuron that terminates on the surface of the secondary neuron that is to be stimulated. This is a sensory terminal. The second is the facilitatory terminal and lies on the surface of the sensory terminal. When the sensory terminal is repeatedly stimulated without facilitator terminal signal transmission at first is stronger but weakens and then stops. This is called habituation. This is a type of memory that causes a neuronal circuit to lose its response to repeated events that are insignificant. But if a noxious stimulus excites the facilitator terminal and if simultaneously a sensory terminal is also excited the transmission becomes powerful and remains so even for weeks without further stimulation of the facilitator terminal.

Another mechanism involves stimuli from two separate sources acting on a single sensory neuron causing long term changes in the membrane properties of the entire neuron and these changes can increase the excitability for many minutes. The system is very complex and needs years of further work to understand it further. It has recently been shown that if a conscious awake human patient has his parietal lobe stimulated during neurosurgery, he will sometimes have an "out of body" experience -- as if he was a detached entity watching his own body from up near the ceiling. This is also true in case of anoxia of the left hemisphere from stroke-like conditions.

Mind or self are used synonymously in AGGS. To know one’s self, or to progress in spirituality or in any other sphere of life one has to have an open mind for life’s experiences stored as memory. It is defined as a stored pattern of connections between neurons in the brain. As one tries to remember, billions of neurons start firing along the pathways of memory, retrieving what you know, which relies on many brain parts working together. A chemical neurotransmitter is released by one neuron signaling the other. This sensory input is received in the frontal cortex of the brain and coordinating with other parts of the cortex. Then the relevant facts begin to be encoded with the help of the hippocampus and frontal lobes of the brain. The hippocampus binds the encoded memory but does not store it, which is stored in the cortex where it was first received and processed. Experiences are the sum of our memories and wisdom is the sum of experiences and thus having a better memory would mean knowing not only more about the world but also about one’s self. The way the brain works compatibly with spirituality. A strong memory has been seen as the greatest virtues since it represents the internalization of a universe of external knowledge and a common theme in the lives of Sikh Gurus was that they had extraordinary memories. A closed brain-washed mind, locked in with a rusty lock does not help the individual to know the self. Guru Nanak raises this question in Raag Asa and replies:

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਰਹਸੀ
ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝੇ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਹਸੀ
Eh Mann Mugadh Kauoh Keo Rehsee, Bin Samjeh Yum Ka Dukh Sehsee.
Tell me, how can this stupid mind be rescued? Without understanding, it shall suffer the pains of death.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, page, 415-9
ਬਿਨ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਠਉਰਾ
ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਉਰਾ
Bin Gur Sabadai Mann Nahee Thauraa, Simroh Ram Naam Ut Nirmal Avar Tiagoh Houmea Kauraa.
Without the Word of the Guru's Sabd, the mind finds no place of rest. Remember God’s name in your meditations.  It is the purest and most sublime and helps in renouncing one’s bitter egotism.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 415-8

Guru Nanak explains its attributes of the mind in Raag Asa:
ਮਨੁ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਸਾਕਤੁ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ
ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ
ਇਤ ਉਤ ਜਾਹਿ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਚਾਪੇ
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ਘਰੁ ਆਪੇ
ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਠਉਰਾ
ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਉਰਾ
Mann Maigal Saakat Dayvaanaa, Ban Khand Maya Moh Hairanaa, It Ut Jaeh Kaal Kay Chaapay, Gurmukh Khoj Lahai Ghar Aapay, Bin Gur Sabadai Man Nahee Thauraa, Simroh Ram Naam Ut Nirmal Avar Tiagoh Houmai Kouraa.
The mind of the materialistic is like a crazy elephant. It wanders around the forest, distracted by attachment to Materialism. It goes here and there, hounded by death. The Guru oriented seeks and finds his own home. Without the Word of the Guru's Sabd, the mind finds no place of rest. Remember in meditation the God's Name, the purest and sublime; renounce your bitter egotism.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 415                                                                                       
Guru Nanak in his Japji points towards the value of mind:
ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥
Maṯ vicẖ raṯan javāhar māṇik jė ik gur kī sikẖ suṇī. Gurā ik ḏehi bujẖā▫ī.Sabẖnā jī▫ā kā ik ḏāṯā so mai visar na jā▫ī. 

Within the mind are gems, jewels, and rubies, if you listen to Guru's Teachings, even once. The Guru has given me this one understanding: there is only One, Giver of all souls. May I never forget It! -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 2-12
                                                                                 
Guru Nanak ponders in Japji about conquering the mind:
ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ
Ā▫ī panthī sagal jamāṯī Mann Jeetai Jag Jeet.
See the brotherhood of all mankind as the highest order of Holy; by conquering the mind you can conquer the world.-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 6-17
Guru Ram Das points to mind’s craziness-like attributes:

ਮਨ ਕਰਹਲਾ ਤੂੰ ਮੀਤੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਾਖੰਡੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਤਜਾਇ
ਪਾਖੰਡਿ ਲੋਭੀ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਜਮ ਡੰਡੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਜਾਇ
Mann Karhalaa Toon Meet Mera Paakhand Lobh Tajaey, Pakhand Lobhee Maaree-ai Jam Dand Day-ay Sajaa-ay.

O camel-like mind, you are my friend; abandon hypocrisy and greed. The hypocritical and the greedy are struck down; the Messenger of Death punishes them with his club.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 234-10

Guru Arjan describes the technique to control the mind in Raag Gauri:

ਦਸ ਦਿਸ ਖੋਜਤ ਮੈ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਸੋਇ
ਮਨੁ ਬਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੇ ਪੂਰਨ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹੋਇ
Das Dis Khojat Main Firio Jat Dekhou Tat Soey, Mann Bus Aavai Nanaka Jay Pooran Kirpa Hoey.

I have tried to find in all ten directions (a solution to control the mind) but could not trace any means of controlling the mind. The mind comes to be controlled, O Nanak, if the God blesses with Its Perfect Grace.     -----Guru Arjun, Thiti Gauri, AGGS, Page, 298-17

Guru Arjan describe the technique in Raag Gauri how to purchase the God’s Name:

ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੋਲਿ
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਮਹਿ ਤੋਲਿ
Ŧaj abẖimān lėho mann mol, Rām nām hirḏė meh ṯol.

Renounce your egotistical pride, and with your mind, purchase the God's Name - measure it out within your heart.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 283-4

As you persevere more and more in the practice of the self-enquiry, the mind acquires increasing strength and power to abide by its Source”.

ਦੁਤੀਆ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਦੂਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਤ
ਰਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਬਸੈ ਤਜਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੀਤ
Dutee-aa Durmat Door Kar Gur Sayvaa Kar Neet, Ram Ratan Mann Tan Basai Taj Kaam Krodh Lobh Meet.

On the second day of the lunar cycle, get rid of your evil-mindedness, and serve the Guru continually. The jewel of the God's Name shall come to dwell in your mind and body, when you renounce sexual desire, anger and greed, O my friend.------Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 296-18

ਅਮਾਵਸ ਆਤਮ ਸੁਖੀ ਭਏ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦੀਆ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ
ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਹਜ ਲਾਗਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ
Amaavas Aatam Sukhee Bha-ay Santokh Dee-aa Gurdayv, Mann Toon Seetle Saant Sahaj Laga Prabh Ki Sayv.
It is the day of the new moon. My soul is at peace.  The Divine Guru has blessed me with contentment. My mind and body are cooled and soothed, in intuitive peace and poise.  I have dedicated myself to serving God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, Page, 300-1
                                                                                                                                                              The mind has no awareness of its own and does not even have intelligence. The mind can only think and doubt. It has beliefs, opinions, likes, dislikes but is not aware of anything. Awareness and true intelligence exist within the SELF. The inner consciousness is aware of what mind thinks. It is the intellectual or rational faculty in man, which understands, conceives, and judges the entire spiritual nature in a state of harmony and balance.  Truth and justice characterize the Self. We are all part of one indivisible Divine Mind or the Universal Mind or God. Our individual mind or conscious is divine image of supreme (or Parmatma), but we have to recognize it. O' my conscious you're the image of Divine light; so know your source.  And the same mind or one mind is the same as one God (Ek Onkar). Just as a sunbeam can't separate itself from the sun, and a wave can't separate itself from the ocean, we can't separate one mind from another as explained by Guru Arjan in Ragas Bilawal and Maru:

ਸੂਰਜ ਕਿਰਣਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਜਲ ਕਾ ਜਲੁ ਹੂਆ ਰਾਮ
ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਲੀ ਸੰਪੂਰਨੁ ਥੀਆ ਰਾਮ
Sooraj Kiran Milay Jal Kaa Jal Hoo-aa Raam. Joṯī joṯ ralī sampūran thī▫ā rām.

The rays of light merge with the sun, and water merges with water. One's light blends with the Light, and one becomes totally perfect.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 846-17

ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਜੇਹਾ
ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਦੇਹਾ
ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਉਠਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਸਲਲੈ ਸਲਲ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ
Har kā sevak so har jehā. Bẖeḏ na jāṇhu māṇas ḏehā. Ji-o Jal Tarang Utheh Baho Bhaatee Fir Sallai Salal Samaa-idaa.

The God's servant becomes like God. Do not think that, because of his human body, he is different. The waves of the water rise up in various ways, and then the water merges again in water.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1076-3

That iron curtain of selfish ego (Lower Self/Character defects) separates us from Universal Spirit or God/Higher Self. Once we accept the God within and realize that it's not possible to be separate from God and that we are one with God, and then we know that we are love and we are peace and we are joy and we are happiness and we are eternal. Universal Spirit or God of which we are part of is universal energy, because "the universe is all energy and the energy is all universes." The atoms and subunits such as electrons, protons, and neutron are units of universal energy. The energy can convert into matter and matter can convert into energy. So everything is nothing but manifestation of energy. The atoms and subatomic particles that form molecules, and cells, and tissues, and organs, and individuals, have common origin.

ਸੂਖਮ ਅਸਥੂਲ ਸਗਲ ਭਗਵਾਨ
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਪਛਾਨ ॥੧੪॥
Sūkẖam asthūl sagal bẖagvān. Nānak gurmukẖ barahm pacẖẖān. 

God exists in all subtle and gross matter (ਨਿਰਗੁਣ & ਸਰਗੁਣ). O, Nanak, the Guru oriented realizes God. -----Guru Arjun, Thiti Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 299-17

 Without Consciousness and mind, thoughts do not exist.  ‘Mind’ is a tool of Consciousness and depends for its existence on our experiences. Experiences are registered by Consciousness and without Consciousness we have no experiences. Mind forms thoughts and without them, mind cannot exist. Therefore we can say that mind and thoughts are the same since one without the other cannot function. 

The “I” of the body, arises first as ‘I’ is the mind or ego, If one enquires whence the I-thought in the body arises in the first instance, it will be found that it is not in a physical part of the body, but from an Unknown part within Consciousness.  Mystics call it the intelligence of the heart that manifests in the world of duality. 

When a seeker enquires and asks questions about his real identity, searching within himself for the Presence of ‘I’ -automatically all other thoughts collapse.  They are destroyed or consumed, because one’s mental patterns and thought forms change the way of seeing and experiencing oneself and the world. Also, the ego can not recognize itself.  Instead it reflects an expression of its own Source, which is the ‘I’. Guru Arjan describes this phenomenon in Raag Bilawal;

ਮਨ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਤਾ ਹਉ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਤਾ
ਜਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਬੀਨ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮੇਰੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਤਾ
ਅਨਬੋਲੇ ਕਉ ਤੁਹੀ ਪਛਾਨਹਿ ਜੋ ਜੀਅਨ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਤਾ
ਰੇ ਮਨ ਕਾਇ ਕਹਾ ਲਉ ਡਹਕਹਿ ਜਉ ਪੇਖਤ ਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸੁਨਤਾ
ਐਸੋ ਜਾਨਿ ਭਏ ਮਨਿ ਆਨਦ ਆਨ ਨ ਬੀਓ ਕਰਤਾ
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਭਏ ਦਇਆਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਲਹਤਾ
Mann Kia Kehta Hou Kia Kehta, Jaan Parbeen Thakur Meray Tis Aagay Kia Kehta,
Unbolay Kuo Tuhi Pachaneh Jo Jeaun Meh Hota, Ray Man Kaey Kha Lou Dehkeh Jou Pekhat He Sung Sunta, Aeso Jaan Bhey Man Anand Aan Na Beeo Karta, Kaho Nanak Gur Bhaey Dayearaa Har Rung Na Kabhu Lehta.

What does the mind say? What can I say? You are wise and all knowing, O God, my Master; what can I say to You? You know even what is not said, whatever is in the conscious. O mind, why do you deceive others? How long will you do this? The God is with you; Who hears and sees everything. Knowing this, my mind has become blissful; there is no other Creator. Says Nanak, the Guru has become kind to me; my love for It shall never wear off.-----Guru Arjun Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 823

Bhagat Kabir describes the technique to control the mind in Raag Gauri:

ਕੰਚਨ ਸਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਹੀ ਤੋਲਿ
ਮਨੁ ਦੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਲੀਆ ਹੈ ਮੋਲਿ
Kanchan Si-o Paa-ee-ai Nahee Tol,  Man Day Raam Lee-aa Hai Mol.

God cannot be obtained by offering your weight in gold.  But I have bought God by giving It my mind.-----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 327-10

ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ
ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਉ
ਮਨੁ ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਦੇਉ
Mann anṯar bolai sabẖ ko­ī, Mann mārė bin bẖagaṯ na ho­ī, Kaho Kabīr jo jānai bẖė­o, Mann maḏẖusūḏan ṯaribẖavaṇ ḏė­o.

Everyone speaks through the mind. Without controlling/subduing the mind, devotional worship is not performed. Says Kabir, one who knows the secret of this mystery, beholds within his own mind the Creator of the three worlds.-----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 329-2

Kabir in Raag Gauri describes the inner power of the mind, once it is awakened spiritually:

ਮਮਾ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਾਜੁ ਹੈ ਮਨ ਸਾਧੇ ਸਿਧਿ ਹੋਇ
ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਮਨ ਸਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਨ ਕੋਇ
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਸਕਤੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਉ
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਚ ਤਤ ਕੋ ਜੀਉ
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲੇ ਜਉ ਉਨਮਨਿ ਰਹੈ
ਤਉ ਤੀਨਿ ਲੋਕ ਕੀ ਬਾਤੈ ਕਹੈ
Mamma Mann Seo Kaaj Hai Mann Saadhay Sidh Hoey, Mann He Mann Seo Kahay Kabira Mann Sa Miliaa Na Koey, Ayh Mann Saktee Eh Mann Seo, Ayh Mann Panj Tut Ko Jeo, Ayh Mann Lay Jaou Unman Rahay, Taou Teen Lok Ki Baatay Kahay.
MAMMA: The mortal's business is with his own mind; one who disciplines his mind attains perfection. Only the mind can deal with the mind; says Kabir, I have not met anything like the mind. This mind is Shakti; this mind is Shiva. This mind is the life of the five elements. When this mind is channeled, and guided to enlightenment, it can describe the secrets of the three worlds.------Kabir, Gauri Poorbi, AGGS, Page, 342

 Conclusion:

‘Mind’ is a tool of Consciousness and depends for its existence on our experiences. Experiences are registered by Consciousness.   Without Consciousness we have no experiences. Mind forms thoughts and without them, mind cannot exist. Therefore we can say that mind and thoughts are the same since one without the other cannot function. Mind can only be controlled by God’s Grace blessed on the individual who has progressed in spirituality by understanding and reflecting on the Sabd/Word, and has dispelled spiritual ignorance:
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਪਾਸਾਰਾ
ਗੁਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ
Antar Jot Pargat Paasaaraa, Gur Saakhee Miti-aa AnDhi-aaraa.

Deep within the self is the Light of God.   It radiates throughout the expanse of God’s creation. Through the Guru's Teachings, the darkness of spiritual ignorance is dispelled.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 126-10

ਜਾ ਕਉ ਆਏ ਸੋਈ ਬਿਹਾਝਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮਨਹਿ ਬਸੇਰਾ
Jaa Kou Aaey So-ee Bihajoh Har Gur Tay Maneh Basayra.

Purchase only that for which you have come into the world, and through the Guru, God shall dwell within your mind.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri Poorbi, AGGS, Page, 13-17   

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