Article LXIX: Sensory Pleasure This article continues with the chariot analogy in the Katha Upanishad from the previous article. The analogy suggests that one must utilize the intellect and the mind to control the senses. However, one must not necessarily abstain from all pleasures of the material world. Instead, one must realize the temporary nature of those pleasures, and one must not be controlled by those pleasures. In order to control the senses, one should not be dependent on the sensory objects of the world for happiness. By following the paths described by Vedanta, one can find joy or bliss independent from the sensory pleasures of the world. Hence, an enlightened being may perform an action that may seem to involve sensory enjoyment. However, an enlightened being experiences an eternal bliss that is fully independent from the sensory world. Sensory pleasures may not themselves be detrimental, but the attachment and dependence to that sensory enjoyment can impede one's ascent toward enlightenment. ----- Katha Upanishad The context of this scripture is a dialogue between Naciketas, a spiritual aspirant, and Yama, the god of death:
III.3: Know that the soul is the master of the chariot who sits within
it, and the body is the chariot. Consider the intellect as the
charioteer and the mind as the rein. |