Sixth Sense – In Gita Verse 3.42 The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence.
In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.42, Krishna imparts profound wisdom to Arjuna, elucidating the hierarchy of human faculties. He reveals that the physical body, composed of inert matter, is subordinate to the senses, which are, in turn, surpassed by the mind. The mind is exceeded by the intellect, yet even beyond the intellect lies the soul, the essence of our being. This layered structure of superiority highlights the potential for self-mastery, a concept that Krishna urges Arjuna to embrace.
Many of us share the misconception that controlling our senses is an insurmountable task. However, this is akin to believing that one cannot control their own hand. The hand is a mere part of the whole, and as such, it is inherently under the command of the self. Similarly, the senses should be subject to our will, yet we often forget this truth. Krishna reminds us that we are the masters of our senses, but we must first acknowledge this sovereignty and reclaim it.
Krishna further explains that the mind transcends the senses, the intellect surpasses the mind, and the divine soul is beyond the intellect. This progression can be likened to a tree. The leaves depend on the branches, which rely on the trunk, and the trunk is sustained by the roots. Each level is more fundamental and powerful than the one it supports. The same principle applies to our inner faculties: the mind can control the senses, the intellect can guide the mind, and the soul ultimately governs all.
Consider a scenario where a person is fleeing from a fire. Despite having perfectly functioning senses, they might not notice someone greeting them on the street. This occurs because the mind is elsewhere, focused on the immediate danger. The senses are rendered ineffective without the mind’s direction, illustrating the mind’s power over them. Similarly, the intellect can guide the mind, providing a higher level of control and understanding.
Krishna advises that the intellect should be aligned with the divine, ensuring that our actions are guided by a higher purpose. When the intellect is in harmony with the soul, our entire being becomes balanced and spiritually aligned. This alignment allows us to transcend base desires and achieve a state of inner peace and fulfilment.
The journey from the senses to the soul is a transformative process. The five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch – are the gateways to experiencing the physical world. However, to truly grow in consciousness, we must engage these senses from within, tapping into our intangible energy, or soul. This inward journey awakens a deeper awareness, where one begins to experience life from a place of inner stillness and insight.
In this context, the human body can be likened to a chariot, with consciousness as the charioteer. The senses are the horses, often pulling in different directions, leading to chaos and confusion. However, by awakening the charioteer, we gain control over the horses, steering our lives with purpose and direction. This awakening is the essence of self-consciousness, the foundation of inner mastery.
Buddhist philosophy expands on this concept by recognising the mind as a sixth sense, adding a layer of depth to our understanding of perception. This additional sense opens a gateway to a realm of phenomena beyond the physical, highlighting the importance of internal sources of sensation and perception. By turning inward, we activate this dormant sense, revealing a new dimension of experience.
Krishna’s teachings encourage us to embark on this inward journey, first experiencing the senses through the body, and then from within. This process leads to an expansion of consciousness, where we begin to touch our intangible energy – the soul. As we progress, we move from the mind’s outer experiences to the self-consciousness of the intellect, ultimately leading to self-realisation. This journey is one of profound transformation, aligning our being with the divine and unlocking the true potential of our existence.
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