Manas

Manas is a term with multiple meanings across different languages and cultures. In Sanskrit, manas denotes the mind or mental faculty, an aspect of the inner instrument (antahkarana) involved in perception, thought, and memory. In Indian philosophical traditions it is often described alongside buddhi (intellect), chitta (memory), and ahamkara (ego) as part of cognitive processing.

Manas also refers to a major Kyrgyz epic, the Manas cycle. The epic centers on the hero Manas and his descendants, notably Semetey and Seyit, and is a foundational work of Kyrgyz literature and national identity. It originated in oral tradition and exists in many versions and manuscript editions. Scholars regard it as one of the world’s longest traditional epics, with themes of bravery, unity, and resistance against external threats.

The name Manas appears in geography and personal naming. Manas National Park is a protected area in Assam, India, known for its biodiversity and wildlife. Manas International Airport near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, carries the name as well. Beyond these uses, Manas is also a given name in Kyrgyz and other Turkic languages, used for people and in various place-names and institutions.