What is mind? It is clearly more than just matter. Actually the ancient philosophers just used words like "soul" to mean mind. And even animals have that (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:19-20). So what is mind? And how would a modern philosopher or scientist answer that question?
Without words and concepts, ya got nothing kid! Go home, become the couch potato or vegetable of your personal preference, and know thyself! In the beginning was the word, which was formless upon the void, as God cut a silent but deadly fart!
That is certainly true. Our cat could get on our bed and cuddle up against me on a cold night, without laying a single paw on Jane. He knew better. Meanwhile, the dog knows better than to jump up at me, to get food, but he neither dislikes or is afraid of me, since he will move over on the settee to make room for me to sit down and rub his belly. But in his case, he will annoy jane, knowing that she will give him a treat to get rid of him.
We & other beings are quite a hodgepodge. In additition to body mind & soul are a grt deal more. Such as chakras kundalini guardian angel & guides.
As per Hindu and nondual philosophy, the fundamental nature of the human mind is pure consciousness. This state of consciousness is present at all times during the waking state, dream state and deep sleep state. This state of pure consciousness is also known as Self or Being or Awareness. The fact that we knew we had dreams in the dream state and no dreams in the deep sleep state means that there is an underlying consciousness in these states as well. Mind is but thoughts and emotions that comes up in the substratum of Self or pure consciousness. If it is disciplined and equanimous, the mind is a handy instrument useful in planning and calculations which help in the material world. If the mind is indisciplined and agitated usually, the mind becomes a parasitical liability instead of an asset, that develops anxiety and psychological stress through incessant thinking and emoting, psychosomatic diseases, poor relationships, faulty judgement and so on. The Self is considered to be peaceful and blissful by its own nature, while the untamed mind is considered to be productive of misery and suffering. Hence the focus in eastern philosophy on disciplining and taming the turbulent mind and anchoring it back in the Self. This is done through means of meditation and other spritual exercises. And this is why people practicing meditation for the first time feel peace and well-being because they are experiencing their Self for the first time after years of domination by the mind. This saying by nondual spiritual teacher Rupert Spira will help to bring perspective in this regard...
