Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 47
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
नभोगुणविशेषोऽर्थो यस्य तच्छ्रोत्रमुच्यते । वायोर्गुणविशेषोऽर्थो यस्य तत्स्पर्शनं विदु: ॥ ४७ ॥
nabho-guṇa-viśeṣo ’rtho yasya tac chrotram ucyate vāyor guṇa-viśeṣo ’rtho yasya tat sparśanaṁ viduḥ
Der Sinn, dessen Gegenstand der «Klang» ist, die besondere Eigenschaft des Äthers, heißt Gehör; und der Sinn, dessen Gegenstand die «Berührung» ist, die besondere Eigenschaft der Luft, gilt als Tastsinn (Haut).
Sound is one of the qualifications of the sky and is the subject matter for hearing. Similarly, touch is the qualification of the air and is the subject of the touch sensation.
FAQs
This verse states that the ear (śrotram) is defined by its specific object—sound (śabda), the distinctive quality of ether (nabhaḥ).
Kapila teaches Devahuti Sāṅkhya analysis—distinguishing elements, qualities, and senses—so she can gain clear knowledge of matter and transcend it through devotion and realization.
By knowing each sense has a particular pull (like sound for the ear and touch for the skin), one can practice mindful restraint and redirect attention toward śravaṇam (hearing sacred topics) and devotional discipline.