Significance of Organs of actions
The concept of Organs of Action is detailed in various texts, including the Purana and Dharmashastra. It identifies five bodily organs crucial for performing physical actions, which include the hands, feet, mouth, and reproductive organs. These organs facilitate interaction with the external world and support conscious activities. They are governed by the mind, and their use is encouraged to be rooted in devotion and duty, emphasizing the importance of awareness and control in performing actions.
Synonyms: -
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Organs of actions'
In Hinduism, Organs of Action encompass five physical limbs (hands, feet, mouth, anus, sex organ) facilitating interaction and movement. They embody the capacity for action, governed by the mind, emphasizing devotion and duty.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The bodily parts through which an individual interacts with the world, performing acts.[1] (2) These five organs, which include two feet, the lower duct, organ of generation, and two hands, are involved in performing actions.[2] (3) The physical capabilities that allow for interaction and activities, encompassing the hands, feet, mouth, and muscular power.[3] (4) The physical appendages that enable a being to act in the world.[4] (5) Refers to the five physical parts of the body (hands, legs, sexual organ, lower duct, organs of utterance) enabling physical activity.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Physical faculties that perform actions, which are restrained in a state of tranquility.[6] (2) The physical faculties that enable one to perform actions, compared to the roots of a tree that support its structure.[7] (3) The bodily functions and faculties through which individuals perform actions; they must be governed by a wise mind.[8] (4) The parts of the body employed for performing actions or tasks.[9]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The physical limbs and body parts that carry out actions, including feet and mouth.[10] (2) Five among the bodily organs that are responsible for physical actions and movements.[11]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The five actions performed by the body which relate directly to how the mind exerts itself in the world.[12]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The faculties through which conscious action or activities are performed, linked to the forms of Shiva.[13]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Refers to the faculties through which actions are performed; they are subject to control and must be engaged in devotion and duty without attachment.[14]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) These are faculties associated with action, comprising five organs including hands and feet.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The five bodily parts (anus, sex organ, hands, feet, mouth) that perform actions in the physical world.[16]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The five physical organs that facilitate activity and interaction with the external world.[17]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Another category of sense-organs that is involved in engaging with the environment.[18] (2) The body parts that facilitate physical activities and actions.[19] (3) The brain centers responsible for various forms of action including speech, movement, excretion, and reproduction.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The specific body parts that facilitate action, which include the tongue, hands, feet, anus, and the generating organ.[21] (2) Five faculties (karmendriya) that arise from the rajas aspect of elements, facilitating interaction with the world.[22] (3) The faculties or parts associated with the performance of actions, as implied by the term 'speech' in the context of the shruti text.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The faculties through which a person engages in physical and mental activities, representing the active aspect of human experience.[24] (2) Refers to the faculties or instruments through which actions are performed, linked to the use of speech and sensation.[25] (3) The physical mechanisms of action in living beings, such as speech and movement.[26]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The body parts such as hands, feet, and speech that execute tasks based on the information received through the organs of perception.[27] (2) The functional limbs and body parts that enable physical activities and interactions with the environment.[28]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Known as karmendriyas, these are the organs that enable actions such as talking, lifting, walking, excretion, and enjoyment.[29] (2) The five faculties (mouth, hand, leg, etc.) that facilitate physical actions.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The five organs that facilitate action, which form another part of the total eleven organs.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to body parts used for interaction with the environment, such as hands and feet.[32]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The physical organs including Mouth, Hand, Leg, Organ of excretion, and Organ of secretion, each with distinct functions.[33]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The faculties that enable the individual to perform actions in the physical realm, also related to the subtle body.[34] (2) The set of organs involved in physical actions and behaviors, influenced by the volition of the Mind.[35] (3) Includes the two feet and other body parts involved in activity, which are considered in relation to purity.[36] (4) The five organs responsible for physical actions, including speech, hands, feet, arms, and reproductive organs.[37] (5) The bodily structures responsible for action, specifically referring to the action of motion.[38]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The faculties or instruments that would typically allow for action, which the Supreme Being does not possess.[39]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Another category of organs involved in performing actions in the spectacle.[40]
The concept of Organs of actions in local and regional sources
Organs of Action, as described in the text, pertain to body parts like the hand that execute physical actions, emphasizing their role in facilitating movement and interaction with the environment.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Referring to parts of the body, particularly the hand, which are responsible for actions.[41]