Mental Models XXVI (in Scriptures in Commentaries)

Disclaimer: Even if the below quotes are translations that reflect maybe a more or less modern language used to interpret them, their importance as first attempts to define the inner workings of the mind remains.

"A mental image that the mind creates when processing only words is verbal delusion." (Patanjali, "Yoga Sutra" 1:9)

"Imagination (VIKALPA) is a thought based on a mental image describable by words but not based on an object directly observable." (Patanjali, "Yoga Sutra")

"But the knowledge of that (other mental factors) is not gained with support of the mental image because that is not the object of samyama."  (Patanjali, "Yoga Sutra" 3:20)

"The World-honored One has taught [that meditation has] four kinds of content. The first is that content accompanied by images for reflection, the second is that content not accompanied by images for reflection, the third is that content which extends to the limit of the phenomenal, and the fourth is that content which fulfills duty." (Samdhinirmocana Sutra [Xuanzang's translation])

" […] just let your mind be like space, without clinging to a mental image of space, functioning responsively without obstruction, unminding in action and repose." ("The Sutra of Hui-neng")

"Oh! Son of Sari! Forms of object as perceived by our mind is no different from emptiness, (and) emptiness is no different from form. Forms perceived are virtual. Virtuality is the reality of forms perceived. Such are the processing of the stimulus of perception, the mental image of the object perceived, the mental activities of analysing this object of perception and the forming of mental conception of this object." ("Heart Sutra" , [Akishi’s translation])

“As one progresses in Jnana Yoga, one finds conceptions arising which, though one is conscious of them, one cannot express nor yet formulate into any sort of mental picture. As time goes on these conceptions will form into mental pictures. This is a time to be on guard and refuse to be deluded with the idea that the new found and wonderful picture must represent reality.” (Helena P Blavatsky, "The Secret Doctrine", 1888)