5 Karmendriyas and 5 Jnanendriyas

The 5 senses of experience and the 5 senses of action in Tantra

In Tantra and Ayurveda, the concepts of the 5 Karmendriyas and 5 Jnanendriyas are fundamental to understanding the human sensory and action systems.

Jnanendriyas are referred to as the 'organs of knowledge'. They are the sensory organs through which knowledge is acquired, both temporal and spiritual. This knowledge is crucial for navigating both worldly life and spiritual pursuits. The five Jnanendriyas are​​​​:

1. Cakṣus - Organ of sight (eyes)

2. Śrotra - Organ of hearing (ears)

3. Ghrāṇa - Organ of smell (nose)

4. Rasanā - Organ of taste (tongue)

5. Tvāk - Organ of touch (skin)

Each of these sensory organs is connected to the acquisition of specific types of knowledge (Jñana) and is considered an evolute of the sattva-part of the five primordial elements or tanmatras according to Vedanta.

Karmendriyas are known as the 'organs of action'. These are involved in various physical activities and functions. The five Karmendriyas are​​​​:

1. Vāk - Organ of speech (speech organs)

2. Pāṇi - Organ of grasp or hold (hands)

3. Pāda - Organ of locomotion (feet)

4. Pāyu - Organ of excretion, defecation (anus and rectum)

5. Upastha - Organ of sex (reproductive organ)

Each Karmendriya is associated with a specific element of nature, demonstrating a connection between physical actions and the elemental composition of the universe.

Both Jnanendriyas and Karmendriyas play crucial roles in the holistic understanding of human beings in both Tantra and Ayurveda, emphasizing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, as well as the importance of balancing knowledge acquisition and action in life.