--> Skip to main content


The Man Who Abandons Virtue By Being A Slave Of Senses Never Attains Happiness On Earth - Hinduism Perspective

By

The quote "The man who abandons virtue by being a slave of senses never attains happiness on earth" encapsulates a profound teaching of Hinduism, rooted in ancient wisdom about the balance between dharma (virtue), karma (action), and moksha (liberation). Hinduism emphasizes that the senses, when uncontrolled, lead to desires that trap the mind in material pleasures, causing suffering and hindering spiritual progress.

Core Hindu Teachings on Senses and Happiness

In Hindu philosophy, the mind and senses play a critical role in determining one’s path to happiness or suffering. Being a slave to one’s senses refers to living a life driven by impulses, desires, and sensory gratification, which leads to attachment and endless cravings. This is seen as a form of bondage (maya), which distracts one from their higher purpose, i.e., self-realization and attaining spiritual freedom (moksha).

  1. Katha Upanishad (1.3.3-4):

    • "Know the self to be the rider in the chariot, and the body to be the chariot. Know the intellect to be the charioteer, and the mind the reins. The senses, they say, are the horses; the objects of the senses are their paths. When the self is united with the mind and the senses, then one is called the enjoyer."
    • Here, the Upanishad describes the importance of the mind and intellect in controlling the senses, emphasizing that those who allow their senses to control them are on the path to destruction.

  2. Bhagavad Gita (2.62-63):

    • "While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool."
    • This verse explains the chain reaction that leads to the downfall of a person who is driven by sensory desires. Losing control over the senses leads to attachment, anger, delusion, and ultimately to destruction of peace and wisdom.

  3. Manu Smriti (2.213):

    • "Let him not follow the dictates of the senses, for he who is controlled by the senses will not attain to the supreme goal. He who rules his senses is free from both sin and virtue."
    • The text emphasizes that indulgence in sensory pleasures leads to sin, while mastery over the senses helps in transcending both good and bad karma, leading to liberation.

Symbolism of Senses and Mind in Hinduism

The human body and its sensory faculties are often symbolized in Hindu scriptures to teach the importance of self-control:

  • The Chariot Analogy: As seen in the Katha Upanishad, the body is the chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the reins, and the intellect is the charioteer. When the intellect (buddhi) is strong, it can control the senses (horses), but when it is weak, the horses (senses) run wild, leading the chariot astray.
  • The Battle of Kurukshetra (in the Bhagavad Gita) symbolizes the internal battle between the higher self (Atman) and the lower self (senses and desires). Krishna represents divine wisdom and self-control, guiding Arjuna (the soul) toward victory over attachment and desires.

Stories from Hinduism Highlighting the Importance of Controlling Senses

  1. Story of Sage Vishwamitra and Menaka: Vishwamitra was a great sage, performing intense penance. However, when the heavenly apsara Menaka was sent to distract him, his senses overpowered his control, leading to his fall from asceticism. This story highlights how even the greatest of ascetics can succumb to sensory pleasures when they are not fully mastered.

  2. Story of King Yayati: In the Mahabharata, King Yayati is cursed with old age by Sage Shukracharya but is allowed to exchange his old age with his son. He enjoys worldly pleasures for thousands of years, but eventually realizes that sensory pleasures only lead to more desires and never result in lasting happiness. He finally renounces his attachment and attains liberation.

Practicality in Day-to-Day Life

  1. Self-Control (Yama and Niyama): In the context of daily life, Hinduism prescribes Yamas (ethical restraints) and Niyamas (positive observances) as tools for controlling the senses. For example:

    • Ahimsa (non-violence): A restraint on anger and aggression.
    • Brahmacharya (celibacy or moderation): Control of sexual impulses.
    • Aparigraha (non-greed): Letting go of material possessions and desires. These practices help cultivate self-discipline, leading to inner peace and freedom from the domination of the senses.

  2. Meditation and Mindfulness: Hinduism emphasizes practices like meditation (Dhyana) and yoga to help control the mind and senses. By practicing mindfulness, one learns to observe desires without becoming attached to them, which reduces impulsive actions and increases contentment.

  3. Modern-Day Relevance: In the modern world, sensory distractions are abundant, from constant social media stimulation to the pursuit of material success. The Hindu teaching of mastering senses is more relevant than ever. Mindless consumption leads to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, while mindfulness and self-control promote mental well-being, reduce stress, and enhance focus and productivity.

Lesser-Known Facts and Insights

  • Tamas and Rajas: In Hinduism, the three gunas (qualities of nature)—Sattva (purity), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—play a role in one's ability to control the senses. A predominance of Rajas and Tamas leads to sensual indulgence and unrest, while cultivating Sattva brings clarity, self-control, and happiness.
  • Tantric Perspective: In Tantra, the senses are not condemned but are seen as tools to transcend desires. Sensory experiences are embraced mindfully but are transformed into spiritual experiences, demonstrating the dynamic approach to the senses.

Quotes from Other Hindu Scriptures

  1. Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.10):

    • "A wise person must control his senses like a good driver controls his horses."
    • This further underscores the teaching that self-control is the key to wisdom and progress on the spiritual path.

  2. Shvetashvatara Upanishad (1.3):

    • "If a man’s mind becomes pure, all desires in the heart will be burnt away. When all desires are vanquished, there will be peace and happiness."

In Hinduism, abandoning virtue by succumbing to sensory desires leads to misery because such a path causes attachment, greed, and suffering. Conversely, mastery over the senses—through self-discipline, ethical living, and meditation—paves the way for lasting happiness and spiritual liberation. This teaching remains timeless and highly applicable in modern life, where distractions and temptations are abundant, making it more important than ever to cultivate mindfulness and balance between the material and spiritual aspects of existence.