KV Raghupathi
Indriyas , sense organs, are vital for transmitting data from the outer world to brain cells, where it is processed and converted into an experience called thought. So, the mind is understood as a bundle of thoughts, as the base for thinking. Thoughts, drawn from the storehouse called memory, are generated when they are applied to interpret the present experience. So, the mind is receptive while the sense organs are perceptive, and it can be understood only in relation to thoughts and thinking.
The function of sense organs is only to transmit data from the outer world. Sometimes these sense organs may also get entangled in wrong perceptions. In this sense, illusions, delusions, and hallucinations are created and often mistaken for real perceptions. Similarly, not all stimuli are processed by brain cells. We perceive only a few of them clearly for the simple reason that we do not pay ‘attention’. Attention is a perceptual process that selects certain inputs for inclusion in our conscious experience, or awareness, at any given time.
The more we let our sense organs reside outside, more vibrations are created, and they remain, in most cases, unperceived, though in some cases they are perceived. This is known in Sanskrit as pratyaya. Our sense organs are constantly exposed to the outer world, leading to creation of more thoughts. We are more tuned to the outer. This results in an imbalance in our lives.
Vrittis, vibrations and modifications can be arrested if the sense organs are now and then withdrawn from meeting the outer world. If we examine the content of our minds, thoughts, impressions, opinions, traces, and images, at any given time, we can divide the mental images into the following three categories: 1. Ever-changing impressions produced by the outer world through vibrations brought by sense organs; 2. Recorded memories of experiences; 3. Mental images connected with anticipations of the future. For the second and third, which are wholly mental, direct result of contact with the outer world through sense organs is a must.
Therefore, if the cause is checked or arrested, result can be, too. If sense organs are brought under control, mental images, vibrations, and modifications can also be arrested or mastered through dharana and dhyan . This withdrawal of sense organs in Patanjali’s Ashtang Yog is known as pratyahar.
This withdrawal can be practised through various means, such as chanting mantras , reading scriptural texts, satsang, being in the company of truth-seekers, or right association with a group of like-minded people engaged in spiritual dialogue, prayers, and meditation. According to yogic psychology and philosophy, senses are really a part of the lower mind. Complete severance from the outer world is an antithetical philosophy.
We, however, need to strike a balance between contact with the outside world and withdrawal from it. This is necessary to lead a harmonious and peaceful life. If yam and niyam, comprising 10 cardinal virtues, are not practised and if asan and pranayam are not followed, the physical body cannot be brought under control. It is a must if higher stages of the yogic path are to be explored.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
