Caraka : Caraka Samhita : Manas and Atma : Ayurveda – 5
Caraka defines Manas as the sixth sense, indriya, with its artha (object, perception, purpose) as thought.
(This is not the sixth sense of english literature and movies. The fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita says – “A part of Me puts into nature the six senses, and the mind. When the Lord (Master) Iswara acquires a body, it takes those six as the wind carries scents in the breeze. Iswara enjoys all sense objects and rules over all senses and the mind.” Most translators treat manas (perceptive mind) as the sixth sense. I am bothered by the phrase manah SaSTAni indriyANi).
Caraka said that the mind conducts the other senses. In the absence or distraction of the mind none of the sensory perceptions including pleasure or pain are registered. The Atma or self on the other hand witnesses and experiences all conscious activities.
(In Tat Tvam Asi, Sankaracharya defines consciousness, the witness – itself as the Self.)
According to caraka, the mind-body-self tripod supports life. All are needed for stability. Ayurveda is concerned mostly with medicine, body and mind.
See : Engaging your manas, dealing with pain and confusion, experiencing bliss.
Reference : The Legacy of Caraka by M.S. Valiathan
Author : Satya Sarada Kandula
