Shloka 135
Vishnu-sahasranāma-style Japa: Vishnu as Cosmic Cause and Inner Self
Antaryāmin
रूपद्रष्टा च चक्षुः स्थो नियन्ता चक्षुषस्तथा / दृश्यं चैवतु जिह्वास्थो रसज्ञश्च नियामकः (८५०)
rūpadraṣṭā ca cakṣuḥ stho niyantā cakṣuṣastathā / dṛśyaṃ caivatu jihvāstho rasajñaśca niyāmakaḥ (850)
ചക്ഷുസ്ഥനായി അവൻ രൂപദ്രഷ്ടാവും ദൃഷ്ടീന്ദ്രിയനിയന്താവും ആകുന്നു. അതുപോലെ ജിഹ്വാസ്ഥനായി അവൻ രസവിഷയവും രസജ്ഞനും അതിന്റെ നിയമകനുമാകുന്നു.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa/Vainateya, describing the indwelling regulator of the senses)
Concept: He is the seer and regulator within the eye; likewise the taste-object, knower of rasa, and governor within the tongue—one consciousness appearing as experiencer and experienced.
Vedantic Theme: Sākṣin-consciousness; unity of pramātṛ–prameya–pramāṇa (knower–known–means) at the level of sensory cognition.
Application: Practice ‘seeing without grasping’ and ‘tasting without craving’: use sensory moments to remember the inner ruler, reducing attachment to rūpa and rasa.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.15.134 (ear/skin); Garuda Purana 1.15.136 (nose/speech)
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that perception is not merely physical—an inner regulator abides in the sense-organs and governs their functioning, grounding ethical restraint and spiritual practice.
By identifying a governing principle behind sense-perception, it points to the subtle governance within the embodied being—suggesting that mastery over senses supports the soul’s higher journey beyond mere sensory life.
Practice mindful restraint: regulate what you look at and consume, treating the senses as sacred instruments to be governed rather than indulged.