28: Controlled Senses

Controlled Senses

A devotee realizes that the source of his miseries in this world, the
senses, can also be the cause of his liberation and perfection in
Krishna consciousness. Generally it is thought that sense control
means severe austerity or joyless puritanism, but there is no need to
negate the senses or ignore the senses in Krishna consciousness. One
simply has to engage the senses in Krishna's service, recognizing that
Krishna is the proprietor of the senses.


The spiritual master and the Vedic literatures guide the devotee in
engaging his senses in the Lord's service. When the senses are thus
utilized, they regain their original spiritual nature and the devotee
can be said to be enjoying them.


If we understand our bodies to be temples of God and our senses to be
His property, then we can engage them happily in Krishna's service.


The ears are engaged in hearing about the Lord. The eyes are engaged
in seeing the beautiful form of the Lord. The nose can be engaged in
smelling the flowers offered to Krishna. The hands (touch) can be
engaged in working for Krishna and touching the lotus feet of Krishna
and His devotees. The tongue can be engaged in tasting food offered to
Krishna, and speaking about Him. Finally, the mind, the sixth sense,
can be engaged in thinking of Krishna's names, activities, forms,
qualities, and service. All the senses thus become a source of great
happiness for a devotee.
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