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2. 21-22] The senses are together in their knowledge, that is, in the object because they are all parts of the same substance, and their distinction occurs only through the intellect. No matter how skilled they are, they are not able to know the object of perception. This is why the five senses are separate (from each other).
Question – If touch and the other four senses are companionable, then why is it that in some objects, not all five senses are experienced, but only one or two, such as how the brilliance of the sun is known, but touch, taste, smell, etc., are not? Similarly, although the touch of air that is not mixed with flowers is known, taste, smell, etc., are not known.
Answer—In every material substance, touch and all the aforementioned qualities exist, but only the pronounced qualities are perceivable by the senses. In some, all five qualities are expressed distinctly, while in others, only one or two, etc. The remaining qualities are in an unpronounced state, which is why they are not known through the senses, but they do exist. The capability of the senses (perception capacity) is not the same for all kinds of living beings. Even among similar types of beings, the competence of the senses varies in different ways. Therefore, the pronouncement or non-pronouncement of touch and so on depends on the comparative capability of the senses. 21.
In addition to these five senses, the mind is also a sense. The mind is a means of knowledge, but it is not an external means like the senses of touch and others. It is an internal means; hence it is also called the inner organ. The subject of the mind is not limited. The external senses only perceive material substances, and even then in part, while the mind perceives both material and immaterial substances in various forms. The function of the mind is to think, in which all subjects are considered according to the capability of development, whether they are perceived through the senses or not. Therefore, it is said that the subject of the non-sensory is ‘scriptural’ (śruti), and the inclination of the mind encompasses the nature of all the principles.
Question – If scripture is the function of the mind, and it is a form of clear and special knowledge, then why is there no cognitive knowledge (matijñāna) from the mind?
Answer – It does happen, but the initial grasp of an object by the mind occurs generally, and it involves the relationship between word and meaning, the sequence of antecedent and consequent, and alternatives.