Controlled Senses

A devotee realizes that the source of his miseries in this world, the senses, can also be the cause of his liberation and perfection in Krishna consciousness. Generally it is thought that sense control means severe austerity or joyless puritanism, but there is no need to negate the senses or ignore the senses in Krishna consciousness. One simply has to engage the senses in Krishna's service, recognizing that Krishna is the proprietor of the senses.

The spiritual master and the Vedic literatures guide the devotee in engaging his senses in the Lord's service. When the senses are thus utilized, they regain their original spiritual nature and the devotee can be said to be enjoying them.

If we understand our bodies to be temples of God and our senses to be His property, then we can engage them happily in Krishna's service.

The ears are engaged in hearing about the lord. The eyes are engaged in seeing the beautiful form of the Lord. The nose can be engaged in smelling the flowers offered to Krishna. The hands (touch) can be engaged in working for Krishna and touching the lotus feet of Krishna and His devotees. The tongue can be engaged in tasting food offered to Krishna, and speaking about Him. Finally, the mind, the sixth sense, can be engaged in thinking of Krishna's names, activities, forms, qualities, and service. All the senses thus become a source of great happiness for a devotee.