Senses, A Prolongation of the MindThe senses are not independent entities but extensions of the mind itself. They are objectified desires that manifest through the body. For instance, the will to see becomes the eyes, and the will to hear becomes the ears. These senses exist in two states: static and dynamic. In their static state, they remain passive, while in their dynamic state, they become active when desires stimulate them. Satisfaction quiets the senses back into their static state. Mind and senses are intrinsically linked. The senses are like tributaries that feed the mind, just as rivers sustain the sea. Without the senses, the mind cannot operate, as the senses are manifestations of the mind in the physical realm. When the senses are controlled, the mind, which is a mass of sensory impressions, is also brought under control. Thus, the mind and senses act as one, with the mind being the superior force that governs the senses. The Mind as the Common SensoryThe mind functions as a collective sensory organ, encompassing the capabilities of all five senses. Unlike individual senses, which are limited in their functions, the mind can perceive sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch directly through yogic practices such as clairvoyance and clairaudience. This demonstrates the mind’s overarching control and integration of sensory experiences, challenging conventional Western psychological theories of perception. While the senses are tools of perception, the mind is the substratum where these sensory experiences are processed. If the mind is disengaged, the senses lose their effectiveness. This is evident when someone absorbed in reading fails to notice external sounds or movements. Similarly, during sleep, even though the eyes remain open, they do not see because the mind is inactive. Sister SensesSwami Sivananda elaborates on the relationships between senses, referring to them as “sister senses” because they arise from the same subtle elements but serve distinct functions: **Nose and Anus**: Both derive from the Earth Subtle Element. The nose originates from its pure part, while the anus comes from the restless part. These are the least troublesome senses.**Tongue and Genitals**: These arise from the Water Subtle Element. The tongue stems from its pure portion, and the genitals from the restless portion. They influence each other, as eating strengthens reproductive tendencies.**Eyes and Feet**: Linked to the Fire Subtle Element, the eyes arise from the pure portion, while the feet come from the restless part. The feet support the eyes’ desires for exploration.**Skin and Hands**: Emerging from the Air Subtle Element, the skin is the pure manifestation, and the hands represent the restless portion. These senses work in harmony to fulfill tactile desires.**Speech and Ear**: Both are products of the Ether Subtle Element, with the ear being the pure part and speech the restless part. They assist each other in their functions. Tongue, The Most Difficult To ControlAmong the senses, the tongue is one of the most challenging to master, even more so than the reproductive organs. This is because the desire for food begins at birth and continues throughout life, whereas sexual desire manifests later and is limited to specific periods. Control over the tongue is crucial because it influences other senses and desires. The organ of sight complements the tongue’s function. Visual stimuli, such as the sight of delicious food, activate the mind and enhance appetite. This interplay underscores the power of the tongue and its impact on sensory experiences. The Objective of Spiritual PracticeThe primary aim of spiritual practice is to internalize the mind by withdrawing it from external distractions. The eyes, ears, and tongue are the main culprits in externalizing the mind, making it restless and worldly. By shutting these senses—such as closing the eyes and plugging the ears—the mind’s connection to the external world is severed, fostering inner tranquility. Spiritual aspirants must discipline the mind to focus inward through introspection. This is achieved by controlling these three key senses, thereby conserving mental energy and promoting concentration. Mastery over the senses leads to the realization of the truth within oneself. The Warrior WithinTrue spiritual warriors wage an internal battle against the senses and the mind’s restlessness. They use discrimination and willpower as their weapons and cultivate purity to overcome mental distractions. The internal battlefield demands vigilance and a strong desire for liberation. Victory in this battle leads to self-mastery and spiritual freedom. Six Methods to Control the SensesSwami Sivananda prescribes six methods for controlling the senses: **Self-Inquiry**: The most effective way to control the senses is through introspection and understanding the root of desires.**...
