Difference Between Mind & Soul

Mind vs Soul

In the philosophical context, mind and soul are distinct terms with different meanings. The mind is where we calculate pleasure, while the soul is where we feel pleasure. There is a subtle difference between the two, according to materialists. Monists, on the other hand, assert that the soul is certainly different from the mind. In fact, they believe that the soul is not the mind, body, or any other visible thing. While the mind is not visible, it is still different from the soul, as many philosophers argue.

What is Soul?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines soul as “the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.” Thinkers believe that the soul moves from body to body, just as a person changes their shirt. In short, the body is perishable, but the soul is imperishable. The soul is distinct from the body and is not affected by the state of the mind. It is also unaffected by merit and sin. The soul does not perform the action of thinking and is believed to be a part of the universal eternal being called the Absolute, which controls everything in the universe, including the mind. The soul does not have thoughts.

In everyday language, we use the word “soul” to mean “person, individual, or someone.”

What is Mind?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines mind as “the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel.” The mind is within the body and, unlike the soul, is affected by both merit and sin. The mind has the ability to think, or it can be said that the mind performs the action of thinking. The mind is difficult to control, and if not controlled properly, it can become incredibly powerful. The mind is invaded by thoughts and becomes pure when thoughts are cut.

In everyday expressions, the word “mind” can also mean “to be worried, annoyed, or distressed by something.”

Key Takeaways

• Soul is the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal, while mind is the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel.
• The soul is distinct from the body, immortal, and unaffected by merit and sin, whereas the mind is within the body and affected by both merit and sin.
• The soul does not think or have thoughts, while the mind has the ability to think and is invaded by thoughts.