Significance of Senses five

The concept of Senses five encompasses the five human senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—and their dual roles in spiritual contexts. While they enhance experiences of joy and connection to the material world, they can also lead individuals toward sinful behaviors and distract from spiritual realization. In both Vaishnavism and Shaivism, these senses are viewed as potential sources of attachment, which can divert attention from divine pursuits unless conquered through self-discipline and devotion.

Synonyms: Senses, Perception, Awareness, Faculties, Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste

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

Hindu concept of 'Senses five'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the five senses encompass sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste, serving dual roles: they facilitate worldly pleasure but also distract individuals from spiritual realization and connection with the divine, necessitating transcendence through discipline.

Significance of Senses five in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Refers to the five physical senses through which humans comprehend their environment, highlighting the limitations of sensory perception in understanding the divine.^[1] (2) The five sensory organs that connect the individual to the material world and distract from spiritual pursuits.^[2] (3) An allusion to the five senses through which the speaker experiences the world and its distractions, challenging the pursuit of spiritual growth.^[3] (4) Refers to the five human senses that can lead to distractions and attachment in the material world.^[4] (5) Refers to the five senses: sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste, which are considered to lead individuals into experiences of pleasure.^[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 of Senses five in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):

Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The five human senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch) that are engaged in experiencing joy.^[6]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance of Senses five in Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy):

Shaivism Books

From: Tiruvacakam Part I

(1) Refers to the five human senses that can distract from spiritual focus.^[7]

Shaiva or Shaivism (shaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Last Updated: 01 November, 2024