Tantra – In Gita Verse 2.58 One who is able to withdraw his senses from sense objects, as the tortoise draws its limbs within the shell, is firmly fixed in perfect consciousness.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.58, the ability to withdraw one’s senses from sense objects is likened to a tortoise retracting its limbs into its shell, symbolising a state of perfect consciousness. This analogy is pivotal for comprehending the complex interplay between human senses and their influence on consciousness.
In the realm of Yoga, senses are viewed in two forms: the visible, external body of the sense organ and the invisible, internal essence or soul of the sense. For instance, the eye is the physical instrument, but the true sense lies in the desire and ability to see, which no medical examination can uncover. Each sense organ operates similarly, with an external body and an internal essence driving its function.
Understanding this duality is crucial to comprehending the process of withdrawing the senses. It is not about physically impairing the sense organs, as historical instances have shown that such actions do not eliminate desires but rather intensify them in more insidious forms. The true essence of sense withdrawal lies in managing the internal desires that drive the senses.
The example of the tortoise should not be overextended. It serves as a metaphor to illustrate the wise man’s ability to withdraw the internal essence of the senses, not the physical organs themselves. When the internal desires are controlled, the sense organs function purely as instruments of behaviour, devoid of lust or craving. This state allows the eyes to see without longing, the tongue to taste without craving, and the ears to hear without yearning.
In this context, the senses collect data from the external world without being influenced by internal desires. This distinction between the functional role of the senses and the influence of internal desires is critical. When desires dominate, the senses become blind to reality, driven by the internal lusts rather than the external truth.
For instance, the story of Tulsidas illustrates how intense desire can distort perception, leading to actions based on illusions rather than reality. Driven by an intense desire to reunite with his wife, Tulsidas mistook a snake for a rope and a corpse for a piece of wood, actions based on his overwhelming longing rather than reality. This story underscores how intense internal desires can distort perception, leading to misguided actions. It highlights the critical importance of controlling internal desires to ensure that the senses function correctly and align with true consciousness.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the process of withdrawing the senses involves a profound transformation of the inner faculties. This transformation necessitates a deliberate effort to manage internal desires, thereby allowing the senses to function merely as channels for external information, rather than being driven by internal cravings.
Krishna explicitly states that by delving deeply into the core of the objective world, one can achieve perfect consciousness, which is essentially a state of pure energy. To attain this, one must fully engage with all the senses, yet transcend them completely. Similar to the principles of Tantra, it is advised that one should abstain from sexual activity until they achieve a state of non-sexuality.
To reach this elevated state, it is imperative to comprehend and practise the principles of Tantra. Tantra advocates for a natural, instinctual approach to achieving ultimate consciousness. It is not focused on techniques or control but on merging with the ultimate nature through complete relaxation and a state of mindlessness. This practise involves transforming sexual energy into a form of prayer, where the act of love becomes a meditative and non-technical experience.
By embracing this approach, one can transform all senses into instruments of prayer and gratitude towards the universe. This transformation allows one to live in the objective world while maintaining a state of perfect consciousness, unaffected by external influences.
The essence of Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.58 lies in understanding and mastering the internal desires that drive the senses. By doing so, one can achieve a state of perfect consciousness, where the senses function purely as instruments of behaviour, free from the influence of internal lusts and cravings. This state is the key to living in harmony with the objective world while maintaining inner peace and consciousness.
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