The ancient theory of mind

Abstract

Happiness and suffering are both the result of two factors combined: the situation in which one is placed and our consciousness of it. Happiness is not only of personal importance, it is also a necessary factor for ensuring peace in society. Therefore it is important to know the two possible ways for the pursuit of happiness: applied science, which focuses on how situations can be controlled, and spirituality, which focuses on developing the various types of consciousness one can have. The notion of purified consciousness is formulated in terms of psychology, neurophysiology, logic and meditative practice. © 2002 BCS.