Significance of Senses
In various philosophical traditions within Hinduism and Buddhism, Senses are identified as the faculties through which individuals perceive the world. In Buddhism, these organs are linked to suffering when uncontrolled. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes their role in sensory experience, while Vaishnavism discusses them as essential for performing service to the Lord and processing perceptions. Similarly, Purana emphasizes the crucial role of senses in yoga, indicating their relationship with the soul and Krishna. Overall, Senses represent the means of interaction with both material and spiritual realms.
Synonyms: Faculties, Awareness, Consciousness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Senses'
In Buddhism, "Senses" (Indriya) are faculties for perceiving the world, linked to suffering through uncontrolled use. They enable interaction and perception of similarity, playing a crucial role in sensory experience and cognizance.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The faculties through which perception occurs, notably in the context of 'Aksha' relating to sensory experience.[1] (2) The faculties that enable perception and cognizance of similarity and proximity, allowing interaction with the environment.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Indriya, the faculties through which beings perceive external phenomena.[3]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The organs through which individuals perceive the world, often cited as causes of suffering when not controlled.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Senses'
In Hinduism, the senses serve as pathways for the Soul's interaction with the material world, playing a critical role in yoga and meditation, while also reflecting Krishna's divine nature and facilitating heightened awareness and spiritual service.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The physical faculties through which humans perceive external stimuli, including sight, hearing, and taste.[5] (2) Refers to the physiological faculties through which perceptions are processed, indicating heightened awareness of external stimuli.[6] (3) The faculties through which one can perform service to the Lord, emphasizing an active engagement.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The five sensory organs that are included in the eight vasus.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The faculties of perception that become free from temporary desires when the heart is purified through mantra.[9]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Referring to Krishna as the Lord of senses, indicating his supreme spiritual nature and transcendence beyond mere physical existence.[10]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The senses are labeled as the means through which the Soul interacts with the material world, predominating over material objects but subordinate to the mind.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The faculties through which one interacts with the world, crucial in the context of yoga and meditation.[12]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The faculties through which perception occurs, metaphorically represented as being associated with ‘vak’ or speech.[13]
The concept of Senses in local and regional sources
Senses refers to the faculties that allow individuals to perceive their environment, highlighting their potential to mislead and confuse, thus emphasizing the complex relationship between perception and reality.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The faculties that perceive the world around you; they can mislead and confuse you.[14]