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)
Baginda bersemayam pada mata, sebagai penyaksi rupa dan juga pengatur daya penglihatan. Demikian pula, bersemayam pada lidah, Baginda ialah rasa yang dikecap, Yang mengetahui rasa, serta Yang memerintahinya.
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.