Manas
(मनस्)Literal Meaning
The sensory-processing mind
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'man' (to think); in classical psychology, the coordinating faculty that gathers raw data from the five senses and organizes it into perception, positioned between the senses and buddhi (intellect) in the antahkarana (inner instrument).
Spiritual Insight & Context
The Katha Upanishad compares manas to the reins of a chariot — it must be firmly held by buddhi (the charioteer), or the senses (the horses) will drag the self toward chaos.