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by Jayaram V
The senses are eleven in number, namely the eyes, the ears, the nose, the
skin, the tongue, mouth, hands, feet, anus and genitals. These constitute the ten physical senses (13.5). Then there is the mind which is also likened to a sense in the
Bhagavadgita:"manahsasthani'indriyani" (15.7)
The senses are responsible for the illusion of the soul. They keep the mind busy with desire for material objects and sense gratification, constantly bombarding the mind with the objects of the sensory world.
Heat and cold, pleasure and pain are transitory and arise out of mere sensory perceptions Therefore one should learn to tolerate them (2.14) and also wise enough not to indulge in them (5.22). The senses are responsible for aversion and attachment, the two stumbling blocks on the path of a yogi, who should not come under their influence at all (3.34).
By constantly thinking of sense objects, a mortal being becomes attached to them. Attached thus he develops various desires, from which in turn ensues anger. From anger comes delusion, and from delusion arises confusion of memory. From confusion of memory arises loss of intelligence and when intelligence is lost the breath of life is also lost (2.60-63)
Since the senses are responsible for the instability of the mind and thereby its delusion, they need to be restrained and controlled for achieving perfection and success in the yoga of Self-realization. By withdrawing his senses completely from the sense objects the way a tortoise withdraws its limbs, the yogi should try to establish mastery over his senses (2.58).
Freeing himself from passion and dispassion, keeping the senses that are acting on the sense objects under firm control, and by following the dictates of the inner soul , he can gain the mercy of God. (2.64). Just as the winds blow away a boat floating on the waters, the senses also drive away the intelligence of a person whose mind is constantly engaged with the sense objects (2.67). Therefore the yogi should firmly establish his intelligence by controlling his senses from all directions (2.68)
Thus according to the Bhagavadgita a correct understanding of the true nature of the senses and their activities is the first step towards self-discipline and Self-realization. Without this awareness one cannot overcome the delusion of ones mind and become free from the bondage to mortal life. By controlling the senses one can become detached from the sense objects, and thereby freedom from desires.
With the elimination of desires, he achieves equanimity of the mind, inner peace, freedom from fear, lust, egoism, anger and such other undivine qualities. Firmly established on the path of self-realization (6.24-29), he becomes stable like the ocean that remains undisturbed although waters enter into it from all directions through various rivers(2.70).
Suggested Further Reading
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