What is the hierarchy of the senses, the mind, the intellect and so on and why is it important to understand this? Bhagawan clearly explains so that we may be more conscious in our Sadhana.
The urge in the mind that animates the senses is stronger than the sense organs themselves.
The eyes are merely instruments for seeing, but seeing itself is a power that’s superior to them. Similarly, hearing power is higher than the mere ear. The mind is superior to the sense organs and superior to the mind is the intellect (Buddhi), the power of discrimination.
Above the intellect is the animating Life Principle (Jivatma). Above the Jivatma or the individual soul is the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). Between the individual and the Divine, there is an attractive deluding veil, maya (illusory power). When this veil falls, the individualised Self and Universal Omni-self become One.
When the mind turns away from the senses to the Buddhi for enlightenment, Divine Bliss starts to flow and the glory of the Divine Soul is revealed. Buddhi promotes the search inward. While sense organs all open towards external objects, true Sadhana consists in turning the vision inwards, and swimming against the on-rushing current! People seldom realise how near the goal of self-realization is, once the sense organs are turned inwards!
– Divine Discourse, Jul 24, 1983.
