Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

The Five Methods 239impinging on this, visual consciousness is aroused. 1 This is called the senseorganof eye. And again, the sensory matter that depends on the three smallfleshy discs round the pupil, and the white and black of the eye-ball that isin five layers of flesh, blood, wind, phlegm and serum, is half a poppy-seedin size, is like the head of a louseling, is made by the four primaries accordingto past kamma, 2 and in which the primary of heat is in excess, is called thesense-organ of the eye. [446] It is as has been taught by the Possessor ofGreat Skill, the Venerable Elder Sariputta, "The organ of visual sense, bywhich one sees objects, is small and subtle like (the head of) a louse". 3SENSE-ORGAN OF EARWhat is the sense-organ of ear? By this sounds are heard. Sound impingingon this, auditory consciousness is aroused. This is called the senseorganof ear. And again, the sensory matter that is in the interior of thetwo ear-holes, is fringed by tawny hair, is dependent on the membrane, islike the stem of a blue-green bean, is produced by the four primaries accordingto kamma and in which the element of space is in excess, is called the senseorganof ear. 4SENSE-ORGAN OF NOSEWhat is the sense-organ of nose? By this odours are sensed. Odourimpinging on this, olfactory consciousness arises. This is called the senseorganof nose. And again, the sensory matter that, in the interior of thenose, where the three meet, 5 is dependent on one small opening, is like aKovildra 6 (flower in shape), is produced by the four primaries, according topast kamma, and in which the primary of air is in excess, is called the senseorganof nose.SENSE-ORGAN OF TONGUEWhat is the sense-organ of tongue? By this tastes are known. Tasteimpinging on this, gustatory consciousness is aroused. This is called the1. M. Ill, 285: Cakkhun ca, bhikkhave, paticca rupe ca uppajjati cakkhuvinndnam.2. S. TV, 132: Cakkhum bhikkhave puranakammam abhisankhatam abhisancetayitamvedaniyam datthabbam .. .pe... givhd puranakammam abhisankhata abhisahcetayitdvcdaniya datthabbd ... Mano puranakammam abhisankhato abhisahcetayito vedaniyodatthabbo.3. Vis. Mag. 446; Abhmv. 66; Dhs. A. 307: Vuttam pi c'