Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
TATTVABODHAH.
[You are reminded that reviewing the
previous week's posts will become essential as the meanings of the Sanskrit
terms may not be repeated. There may come additional or alternative meanings,
but all should be noted. As study progresses, the technical terms must
necessarily become 'second nature' to the student. When the Sanskrit is used,
the translation will fall easily into place - or likewise, if the English is
used, the Sanskrit term must easily come forwards.]
Please revisit THIS post and chant the mangala-charana. Please use the
TattvabodaH label to access all posts relevant to this text.
The Subtle Body - suukshma shariira - the Guru is expounding the
role of the senses; last week we saw the basics of the organs of knowledge
(jnaanendriyani). This week, it is the organs of
action are studied.
वाक्-पाणि-पाद-पायू-उपस्थानी-इति पञ्चकर्मेन्द्रियाणि।
वाचो देवता वह्निः। हस्तयोरिन्द्रः। पादयोर्विष्णुः।
पायोर्मृत्युः। उपस्थस्य प्रजापतिः। इति कर्मेन्द्रियदेवताः।
वाचो विषयः भाषणम्। पाण्योर्विषयः वस्तुग्रहणम्।
पादयोर्विषयः गमनम्। पायोर्विषयः मलत्यागः।
उपस्थस्य विषयः आनन्द इति।
vaak-paani-paada-paayuu-upasthaanii-iti panchakarmendriyaani.
vaacho
devataa vahniH. hastayorindraH. paadayorviSNuH.
paayormR^ityuH.
upasthasya prajaapatiH. iti karmendriyadevataaH.
vaacho
viSayaH bhaaSaNam. paaNyorviSayaH vastugrahaNam.
paadayorviSayaH
gamanam. paayorviSayaH malatyaagaH.
upasthasya
viSayaH aananda iti.
"The five organs of action are; speech, hands, legs, anus and
the genitals. The presiding deities of the organs of action are; Agni of
speech, Indra of the hands, Vishnu of the legs, Yama of the anus and Prajaapati
of the genitalia. The function of speech is to talk, the of the hands to grasp
things, of the legs locomotion, of the anus elimination and of the genitals
pleasure (procreation)."
In the same fashion as with the organs of knowledge, the Guru
clearly states functions of the physical organs which enact experience. Clearly
and simply it is stated that the five are speech (as in its capacity found in
the vocal chords, tongue, lips), hands which give the capacity of grasping (and
all the capability that implies), legs which permit the ability to move, anus -
a most important action of the body is to eliminate waste product to prevent
illness, and the genitalia. The latter are described as 'for pleasure' but this
is in context of procreation - what other incentive would there be to reproduce
if there was not some reward for the action? This is the implication.
All of these are just matter objects contained within each body.
Without the mind to activate them, they are nothing. The are tools of the body,
and require practice and training from childhood to manage them optimally. As
with the jnaanendriyas, each has its particular job to do, though there is
greater scope, in one fails, for another to take up its work - for example
there are many artists who can paint with their mouth or their feet if their
hands are incapacitated. Similarly, hands can be used to communicate where
voice cannot. Hands can move us around, should the legs fail… and so on. It is
worth noting that the tongue has not just the physical function of assisting in
eating and speaking, but also has perception (knowledge) through the function of
taste.
With regards to ruling 'deities' we are told that Fire rules speech…
and we know this well! We use fire-related expression even about speech itself
- "heated discussions"… "he gave a fiery talk"… For this
reason we can understand that speech can be a destroyer as much as an
invigorator. It is worth remembering, though, that there can be times when, no
matter how we word things, the one who hears will make of the words what they
will - it's a tricky business! The intention behind our words is as important
as the words themselves. Much is written in scriptures with regard to speech
and how it can be the difference in our interactions with the world.
[As the other major philosophy here
at Aatmaavrajanam is within Christian teaching, here are a few examples (from King James Bible Online where a full list can be found ):
Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of
edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Psalms 19:14 - Let the words of
my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,
my strength, and my redeemer.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye
do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God and the Father by him.
James 5:12 - But above all
things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth,
neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest
ye fall into condemnation.
Proverbs 15:4 - A wholesome
tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the
spirit.
Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer
turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his
mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles]
How often we hear also that actions speak louder than words. Hands
will carry out the instructions of the mind - and sometimes it is seen that
these actions are in contradiction to what might have been said. Indra is the
Lord of Rain and Thunder; both can be a benefit but both can also be
problematic; he shows great skill in the use of his 'weather weapons' -
equally, we have dexterity and strength in our hands which can be used for both
benefit, but sometimes for mischief.
Vishnu is the lord of known universe and requires long legs to
traverse it! Mrtyu (aka Yama) is the Lord of Death, which is fitting enough for
elimination of wastes which have been used up by the body.
We saw that 'pleasure' was said to be the function of the genitals,
but it must be seen in context of procreation and we know this by the presiding
deity being Prajaapati, the Creator Himself. Why then say pleasure? Children are a long-term project, are they
not? Regardless of whether there is joy or agony throughout that project, it
certainly would not be begun were there not some incentive or reward for taking
it up. Thus the pleasure involved in procreation, short-lived though it be!
