श्रोत्रं चक्षुः स्पर्शनं च रसनं घ्राणमेव च।अधिष्ठाय मनश्चायं विषयानुपसेवते
The senses mentioned are hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell, and the mind. These are the means through which the Jivatma interacts with and enjoys the various objects of the world.
The passage connects life with a larger sustaining reality. Bring attention to the body and the conditions that support it; gratitude can coexist with practical care and medical help.
Go deeper into this verse
In Chapter 15, Verse 9, who is described as dwelling in the senses and experiencing their objects?
The verse describes the Jivatma, the individual soul, as the one dwelling in the senses and experiencing the objects associated with them. The Jivatma uses the senses and mind as instruments to engage with the world.
How does the mind play a role along with senses like hearing and sight in the process described in this teaching on Jivatma?
The mind acts as a coordinator and interpreter of the inputs received from the senses such as hearing and sight. Without the mind’s involvement, the sensory data would not be processed or enjoyed by the Jivatma. The mind unites all sensory experiences and allows the individual to savor and react to them.
What is meant by the phrase 'enjoys the objects of senses' in relation to the Jivatma?
The phrase means that the Jivatma, through the senses and the mind, experiences and takes pleasure in the various objects and sensations of the world. This enjoyment refers to all forms of sensory involvement, such as seeing beauty, hearing music, feeling textures, tasting flavors, and smelling fragrances.
Why does the Jivatma engage with sense objects through the senses and mind, and what lesson can be learned about detachment from this process?
The Jivatma engages with the world through the senses and mind due to its inherent nature to experience, learn, and grow. However, becoming overly attached to these sensory experiences can lead to bondage and suffering. The lesson here is to observe how the senses function as instruments and to practice mindful detachment, enjoying experiences without losing oneself in them.
Enshrined in the ear, the eye, the touch, the taste and the smell, and in the mind also, He enjoyeth the objects of the senses