Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.6.18
Sarga· CreationSkin and Hairs Have Distinct Sensations
“When there was a separate manifestation of skin, the controlling deities of sensations and their different parts entered into it, and thus the living entities feel itching and happiness due to touch.”
What the purport teaches
- When skin separately manifested, the controlling deities of sensations entered it. Living entities thus experience itching and happiness from touch.
- Touch and itching are two principal items of sense perception connected with the skin and bodily hairs. Touch is the skin's object of perception, while itching is that of the hairs.
- According to Śrī Viśvanātha Cakravartī, air passing within the body controls touch. Oṣadhya is the controlling deity of the bodily hairs.
Try this today
Notice one ordinary sensation of touch today and recall the distinction between touch and itching.
Ask yourself
How does this account help me see bodily sensations as dependent on arrangements beyond my own control?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.