Why Couldn't We Control Our Senses?

We often think of our senses as beyond our control, as automatic and passive reactions to external stimuli. However, with a closer examination of how we function both in sleep and when awake, it becomes evident that we do indeed have the ability to manage our senses to a certain degree.

Sensory Suppression in Sleep

Sleep is perhaps the most obvious example of sensory suppression, where we decouple our motor control and enter an unconscious state. During sleep, internal sensory signals are managed in the background, while external stimuli are largely filtered out. This allows us to operate in a virtual world where the primary source of information is our internal physiological processes.

Continuous Sensory Input and Filtering

Even when we are awake, the sheer volume of sensory input that floods our neural network is staggering. Our brain processes both internal states and external stimuli simultaneously. However, not all of this input reaches our conscious awareness. Instead, our brain selectively filters out distractions and focuses on what is most important. This selective process is often referred to as focus attention.

While much of this filtering happens automatically, we can also consciously ignore distractions. This is similar to flipping a mental switch, where we decide to prioritize certain inputs over others. This ability to focus and ignore is a key component of our conscious awareness and helps us to function effectively in a complex and dynamic environment.

Lord Krishna’s Teachings on Sensory Control

According to Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, we should perform our actions without attachment to the outcomes. He advises that we should not be identified with the results of our actions and that we should not be influenced by the desire for success or fear of failure. Krishna emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused and calm state of mind, which he describes as sthita pragnya.

A sthita pragnya is one whose mind remains undisturbed, whether facing favorable or unfavorable circumstances. He does not become overly pleased or sad in the face of change. Instead, he maintains control over his senses and remains grounded in a state of inner peace and stability.

According to Krishna, controlling our senses is a crucial aspect of achieving this state of sthita pragnya. He likens a person with controlled senses to a land animal with a hard outer covering that can shield itself during times of danger. Just as this animal can retract its head and limbs inside its protective shell, a person with controlled senses can maintain inner calm and composure, no matter the external conditions.

Control Through Practice

The Bhagavad Gita also mentions that if a person becomes proficient in controlling their senses in one life, this skill can benefit them in future lives as well. This suggests that sensory control is a learned skill that can be honed and developed over time.

A sthita pragnya does not attach themselves to the comforts of life. They remain unperturbed by external circumstances, whether sleeping on a hard floor or not using luxurious items. This attitude of detachment allows them to remain centered and steady in their actions, whether in joy or sorrow.

In conclusion, the ability to control our senses is both innate and developable. Through understanding and practice, we can learn to manage our sensory inputs, maintain inner peace, and achieve a state of heightened awareness and composure. This is a valuable skill that can improve both our personal well-being and our ability to navigate the complexities of daily life.

Keywords: Sensory Control, Conscious Awareness, Krishna’s Teachings