Body And Soul – In Gita Verse 2.59 Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.
Krishna articulates the experience of the objective world through all five senses as an inherent aspect of human existence, which guides us in our journey toward higher consciousness. He perceives the body as the manifested soul and the soul as the unmanifested body, viewing them as a unified whole rather than separate entities. Krishna emphasises that by engaging our senses with awareness and self-alertness, we can achieve a settled state of consciousness and subjectivity.
For the body-conscious ascetic who controls his senses, only the objects of life are relinquished, while the underlying passion remains. However, for the Sthitapragya Muni, who has realised Parabrahm, even attachments are relieved. The notion of body-consciousness can be found in both indulgent individuals and ascetics, as both believe that their actions and pursuits are mediated through the body. The pleasure seeker views the body as a gateway to happiness, while the renouncer sees it as a means to transcend worldly objects. Despite their differing approaches, both remain body-centric and their visions are fundamentally physical.
Understanding this is crucial before delving deeper. Both indulgent individuals and ascetics operate within a physical framework, seeking to satisfy their senses through the body. The wise person strives to reduce sorrow and increase happiness, yet all pleasures are ultimately sensual. This belief in sensual pleasures makes it challenging to comprehend Krishna’s teachings, as we have not experienced happiness beyond the senses. Our experiences of taste, music, beauty, and other sensory stimuli form the entirety of our understanding, leaving us unaware of the soul’s existence.
When a body-conscious person grows weary of sensory pleasures, they may become hostile to the senses, shifting from indulgence to renunciation. This individual may torment the senses in an attempt to find happiness through deprivation, still believing the senses to be the foundation of experience. Krishna explains that while such a person may abandon external objects, they are not free from the underlying essence or “Rasa.” The senses serve as a bridge between the internal interest and external subjects. Breaking this bridge disrupts the connection but does not eliminate the internal yearning, which may manifest through imagination or psychosis.
Krishna’s teachings highlight that the true question lies not in the external objects but in the internal essence or desire. Renunciation of objects without addressing the underlying passions leads to psychological turmoil rather than liberation. A person in samadhi transcends the senses, losing interest in external objects as the internal essence dissipates. This state is characterised by a lack of romantic attachment to the material world.
Krishna’s own actions, such as dancing in the mango groves, challenge the body-conscious ascetic’s understanding. His complete presence and attention to the moment, free from internal desires, illustrate a state of consciousness that is often misunderstood. This misunderstanding has led to significant misinterpretations of Krishna’s teachings.
To further comprehend this verse, we can look to Tantra, which emphasises moving into experiences with awareness. Tantra schools in India have historically struggled to maintain this awareness, often devolving into mere sexual indulgence. The discipline required for true Tantra is profound, as it transforms ordinary experiences into meditative, prayerful states.
Tantra teaches the importance of remaining unattached, even while engaging in sensory experiences. This principle applies not only to sex but to all senses. For example, eating with awareness allows one to fully experience taste, transforming a mundane act into a meditative practice. Similarly, drinking water with mindfulness can enhance sensitivity and promote a deeper connection with the body.
Krishna’s assertion that the “taste for sense objects remains” underscores the necessity of alertness in transcending sensory experiences. By engaging our senses with full awareness, we can grow in consciousness. In Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.58, Krishna advises taking all senses inward, advocating for an alert and unaffected engagement with the objective world. This approach fosters growth in consciousness, enabling one to navigate the mind, emotions, and external stimuli with equanimity.
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