Significance of Six organs
The concept of Six organs has various interpretations across different traditions. According to the Purana, it symbolizes elements of worship in ascetic practices. The Pancaratra identifies them as physical components vital for mantra rituals, while Mahayana presents them as the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. These six organs are acknowledged as a unified whole influencing perception and consciousness, emphasizing their importance in meditation and mindfulness practices for deeper understanding and awareness in spiritual contexts.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Six organs'
The "Six organs" in Buddhism denote the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, essential for perception. They emphasize mindfulness, sensory interaction with the world, and the potential for distorted realities without proper awareness and purification.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The six organs in this context refer to the faculties through which perception and interaction with the world occur.[1] (2) Refers to the senses through which perception occurs, which are cultivated in mindfulness practices for deeper awareness.[2] (3) The combined reference to the six primary sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, which evolve from enlightenment.[3] (4) Refers to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, which are seen as separate but fundamentally part of an overarching unity.[4] (5) Refers to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, which are contemplated in their function and whether they operate as one entity or six separate organs.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The sensory faculties that, when not properly understood, lead to a distorted perception of reality.[6] (2) The faculties of the sensory perception that the king concentrated on to deepen his meditation experience.[7] (3) The sensory faculties through which consciousness interacts with the six sense objects.[8]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Represent the sensory organs within the context of perception and sovereignty over all objects.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Refers collectively to the faculties of perception, including seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and thinking.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Six organs'
In Hinduism, the "Six organs" represent essential physical components—like the heart and head—in mantra practice and signify aspects worshipped during rituals, integral to the ascetic's spiritual discipline.
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Physical components essential in the practice of mantras, including heart, head, and other body parts utilized in spiritual rituals.[11]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A concept that is worshipped during the ritual as part of the ascetic's practices.[12]