On Sense Perception

Abstract

Karma is the natural basis of all existence [Karma, Sadhguru]. But how do we acquire this karma that holds us together? We acquire karma when we interact with the Universe. This interaction takes place through our senses. The senses are the medium through which our soul interacts with the Universe. Thus, it is our senses which influence the karma that makes us. The five Senses, being part of Prakriti, or the manifestation of consciousness, are made up of the five elements (ether, earth, fire, water and air) and can be categorized under three characteristic qualitative categories: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic [Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14]. Sattvic indicates goodness, rajasic indicates passion and tamasic indicates darkness. The kind of sense perception we have will determine the kind of karma we will acquire. The healing of the element which dominates sense perception, and the progression from a lower guna to a higher guna (tamasic to sattvic) will lead to spiritual growth of a soul. When a soul interacts with the Universe through senses of sattvic guna, it will accumulate karma accordingly. The rising of the senses above all qualities, makes the senses akin to Brahman – it nullifies the elements, entirely finishing the interaction of the soul and the Universe, finishing karma, liberating the soul [Bhagavad Gita 14.20].