VERY EARLY GOD MORNING : Akaranatvaccha na doshastatha hi darsayati II.4.11 (280) And on account of (its) not being an instrument the objection is not (valid); because thus (scripture) declares. Akaranatvat: on account of (its) not being an instrument; Cha: and, also; Na: not; Doshah: defect, objection, fault; Tatha: thus, so; Hi: as, because; Darsayati: teaches, scripture shows, declares. DOUBT ARAISES - if the Prana is subordinate to the soul like the organs, then it must stand in the relation of an instrument to the soul like the organs. We must assume another sense-object analogous to colour. But there is no twelfth sense-object. There are only eleven functions and eleven organs. There is no room for a twelfth organ when there is no twelfth sense-object. The word Cha (and) has the force of but here, and is used to remove the doubt raised above. This Sutra refutes the above objection. Prana is not an instrument. Scripture declares that the chief Prana has a specific function which cannot belong to the other organs. The body and all the senses subsist by means of the chief Prana. The scriptural passages say: Then Prana as the best said to the organs: Be not deceived. I alone, dividing myself five-fold, support this body and keep it (Pras. Up. II.3). Another passage, viz., With Prana guarding the lower nest (Bri. Up. IV.3.12), shows that the guarding of the body depends upon the Prana. Again, two other passages show that the nourishing of the body depends on Prana From whatever limb Prana goes away that limb withers (Bri. Up. I.3.19). What we eat and drink, with it supports the other organs (Bri. Up. 1.3.18). And another passage declares that the souls departing and staying depends on Prana. What is it by whose departure I shall depart, and by whose staying I shall stay? – the created Prana (Pras. Up. VI.3-4). All these texts show that the function of the Prana is nourishing and upkeep of the body. Prana protects the body from dissolution. The strength of the body and the senses also depends upon Prana. Prana supports the body and energises it with all the senses. This is its specific function. Prana is of the greatest help to the soul by being the support of all other senses. Not only does it support the senses but it is the organising life of the body and hence of the greatest importance to the Jiva or the individual soul. Prana has no function like the ordinary sense. Therefore it cannot be styled as Indriya or organ. Hence it is excluded from the list of eleven senses. The chief Prana is also an instrument of the soul. The senses like the eye, ear, etc., are as if officials of the Jiva and help him in his enjoyment and activity but the chief Prana is his prime minister. It assists him in his highest functions and in the attainment of all his desires.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:12:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015