Explanation of Mind as sense organ in the light of Indian Philosophy/ ভারতীয় দর্শনের আলোকে মনের ইন্দ্রিয়ত্ব প্রতিপাদন

Abstract

According to Nyāya and Vaiśesika there are six senses - eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, and mind. Among these, the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin are external senses, and the mind is internal. Most Indian philosophical systems have discussed this subject. But the mind has not been considered in isolation. Buddhist philosophers have made a significant contribution in this regard. Some Western philosophers have also analysed the nature of the mind. Both Buddhist and Western philosophical views have discussed the projection of the mind’s image. The mind is not the only internal instrument in this metaphysical context. Alongside the five external senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, skin), the mind is considered the sixth sense. But unlike the others, the mind is an internal faculty — thus, it is called the inner sense. Among those who possess all the senses, their intelligence, happiness, sorrow, desires, and emotions can be analysed. It is said that everything perceptible is ultimately processed through the mind, and hence the cooperation of the mind is necessary for any sensory experience to become conscious. However, the Upanishads sometimes describe the mind as an organ higher than the senses. For instance, for those who have mastered their minds, no external stimulus or help is needed — neither from external objects nor the body itself — the mind alone can function independently. According to the Nyāya and Vaiśesika schools of philosophy, these six senses are essential in understanding the world and perceiving truth through the mind. If we attempt to live life solely with external senses, the mind cannot achieve complete fulfillment. The mind, being an internal sense, can independently grasp abstract or subtle matters like beauty or sorrow. But external senses are often limited in grasping abstract and subtle subjects; they require the cooperation of the mind. If the mind does not cooperate with the external senses, then the external senses alone cannot fully perceive such abstract concepts. Hence, the mind becomes essential for the interpretation of sense data. This is why many of those schools consider the mind to be the greatest of all senses.