Difference between revisions of "Six senses"
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the [[mind]] and {{Wiki|ideas}} ({{Wiki|reasoning}} and {{Wiki|cognition}}) ([[mano-ayatana]]). | the [[mind]] and {{Wiki|ideas}} ({{Wiki|reasoning}} and {{Wiki|cognition}}) ([[mano-ayatana]]). | ||
| − | They represent everything that can be [[experienced]] through the [[six senses]]. Most of these [[senses]] are familiar to Western readers, but the sixth [[sense]] in [[India]] refers to the [[mind]] (not to extrasensory [[perception]]). In this [[sense]], we can have a [[mental]] picture, a {{Wiki|sound}}, a [[feeling]], and {{Wiki|ideas}} or [[thoughts]], even {{Wiki|tastes}} and {{Wiki|smells}}. Even the [[mind]] [[sense]] mode is applied in the [[mind]], which gives us [[thoughts]] about [[thoughts]], such as [[hatred]] of hatred. | + | They represent everything that can be [[experienced]] through the [[six senses]]. Most of these [[senses]] are familiar to {{Wiki|Western}} readers, but the sixth [[sense]] in [[India]] refers to the [[mind]] (not to extrasensory [[perception]]). In this [[sense]], we can have a [[mental]] picture, a {{Wiki|sound}}, a [[feeling]], and {{Wiki|ideas}} or [[thoughts]], even {{Wiki|tastes}} and {{Wiki|smells}}. Even the [[mind]] [[sense]] mode is applied in the [[mind]], which gives us [[thoughts]] about [[thoughts]], such as [[hatred]] of [[hatred]]. |
| − | In [[meditation]] we can examine [[experiences]] in terms of these six modes of [[perception]]. So a [[feeling]] might be associated with a [[mental]] {{Wiki|image}} ({{Wiki|colour}}, {{Wiki|shape}}, etc), a {{Wiki|sound}}, and we may have [[thoughts]] or {{Wiki|ideas}} about it − even [[thoughts]] about these [[thoughts]] and ideas. | + | In [[meditation]] we can examine [[experiences]] in terms of these six modes of [[perception]]. So a [[feeling]] might be associated with a [[mental]] {{Wiki|image}} ({{Wiki|colour}}, {{Wiki|shape}}, etc), a {{Wiki|sound}}, and we may have [[thoughts]] or {{Wiki|ideas}} about it − even [[thoughts]] about these [[thoughts]] and [[ideas]]. |
| − | Further, ideas may have {{Wiki|sensory}} qualities, such as apparent {{Wiki|colour}}, {{Wiki|shape}} and {{Wiki|sounds}}. Some [[people]] might perceive an [[angry]] [[feeling]] as red, for instance. The days of the week are often associated with colors. | + | Further, [[ideas]] may have {{Wiki|sensory}} qualities, such as apparent {{Wiki|colour}}, {{Wiki|shape}} and {{Wiki|sounds}}. Some [[people]] might {{Wiki|perceive}} an [[angry]] [[feeling]] as red, for instance. The days of the week are often associated with colors. |
| − | When [[meditating]] on a [[feeling]], you might be aware of its (apparent) {{Wiki|color}} and note whether its {{Wiki|colour}} changes. | + | When [[meditating]] on a [[feeling]], you might be {{Wiki|aware}} of its (apparent) {{Wiki|color}} and note whether its {{Wiki|colour}} changes. |
In a similar way, the four [[elements]] can be used in [[meditation]]. | In a similar way, the four [[elements]] can be used in [[meditation]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 07:24, 27 October 2014
In Buddhism, there are six senses and six sense objects that comprise the twelve ayatanas.
12 Ayatanas or Senses and Modes
The six senses or modes of perception and their objects are:
sight and colour/form (visual) (rapa-ayatana);
hearing and sound (auditory) (abda-ayatana);
smell and odour (olfactory) (gandha-ayatana);
taste and flavours (gustatory) (rasa-ayatana);
touch and tangible objects (tactile, haptic) (spara-ayatana); and
the mind and ideas (reasoning and cognition) (mano-ayatana).
They represent everything that can be experienced through the six senses. Most of these senses are familiar to Western readers, but the sixth sense in India refers to the mind (not to extrasensory perception). In this sense, we can have a mental picture, a sound, a feeling, and ideas or thoughts, even tastes and smells. Even the mind sense mode is applied in the mind, which gives us thoughts about thoughts, such as hatred of hatred.
In meditation we can examine experiences in terms of these six modes of perception. So a feeling might be associated with a mental image (colour, shape, etc), a sound, and we may have thoughts or ideas about it − even thoughts about these thoughts and ideas.
Further, ideas may have sensory qualities, such as apparent colour, shape and sounds. Some people might perceive an angry feeling as red, for instance. The days of the week are often associated with colors.
When meditating on a feeling, you might be aware of its (apparent) color and note whether its colour changes.
In a similar way, the four elements can be used in meditation.
