Significance of Karmendriya

Karmendriya refers to the organs of action that enable living beings to interact with their environment and perform various functions. This concept is explored in multiple philosophical traditions, including Vaishnavism, Purana, Vedanta, Shaivism, and Ayurveda. Karmendriya encompasses the motor organs, such as hands, feet, and mouth, which facilitate actions and are influenced by the mind's intentions. In Ayurveda, they play a crucial role in executing actions and are affected by conditions that impair functionality, highlighting their significance in both physical and spiritual contexts.

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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Karmendriya'

Hinduism Books

Karmendriya in Hinduism encompasses the sensory-motor organs responsible for actions, distinct from sensory organs. They facilitate physical interactions within the material world, influenced by the mind, and include functional organs like the mouth, hands, and legs.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) Organs of action, including the mouth, hands, legs, and organs of excretion and generation, that have specific functions such as talking and lifting.[1] (2) The organs of action that facilitate performing actions in the material world, created from the essence of the elements.[2] (3) The organs of action, which include the mouth, legs, hands, and others.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The working senses that merge into their respective subtle potencies.[4]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Working senses that facilitate the actions of living entities as they engage with the material environment.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) Organs of action that facilitate physical actions in the material world.[6]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The external organs of action that are influenced and directed by the mind's intention.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Karmendriya in local and regional sources

History Books

Karmendriya relates to the organs of action, crucial in Bhavaprakasha. It signifies a progressive decline in effectiveness or function over each ten-year period, highlighting the temporal aspect of these action-oriented faculties.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Karmendriya is a term that refers to organs of action and is one of the elements that decrease successively for each period of ten years in the Bhavaprakasha.[8]

Plural form: De Karmendriya.