In today’s world of screens that are jeering our mind effortlessly, the ancient Indian Concept of Gyanendriyas (organs of perception) and Karmendriyas (organs of action) is a good lens through which we can understand Digital Safety and Ethics.
Understanding the Basics for the Beginners..
In Indian philosophy, Gyanendriyas are five sense organs by which information is received – ears for (hearing), skin for (touch), eyes for (sight), tongue for (taste), and nose for (smell). The five Karmendriyas are the mouth (for speech), hands (for grasping), feet (for movement), anus (for elimination), and genitals (for reproduction).
In the realm of technology, these concepts could be regarded as symbolic metaphors.
- Karmendriyas refer to our contribution or response online.
- Gyanendriyas refer to how users consume digital content
In the Digital World, Gyanendriyas, our perceptual capabilities, must be protected..
Just as our physical sense organs help us perceive the world, the digital space has Digital Sense Organ.
- Ears are audio content (podcasts and voice notes).
- Visual content (videos, social media, memes) for the eyes.
- Skin = Haptic response (vibrations, touchscreens).
- Our tongues and noses represent our taste and preference which is digitally tracked.
Digital Risks.
- False information distorts our perception of events.
- Addictive Interfaces Use Senses Overload
- Ads follow and try to modify your likes.
Digital Safety Tip – Be mindful of what you consume online the same way you are mindful of what you eat or hear. Be analytical about what you see, who says it and how long you see it for.
The Responsible Use of Karmendriyas in the Digital World.
IThe way we act has changed into a digital behaviour, he suggests.
- Mouth speech means: Comments, voice notes, tweets.
- Hands are for typing, swiping, and clicking.
- Feet refer to the digital navigation and movement.
- Removing data and clearing cookies
- Making and sharing content is reproduction
Digital Risks.
- Spreading misinformation without fact checking.
- Most downloads and uploads are risky and endanger your data.
Digital Safety Tip – Think before you act online. Every like, post, and comment leaves a digital footprint. Be intentional, respectful, and privacy-conscious.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Responsibility..
The philosophy emphasises self awareness (Svadhyaya) and ethical action (Dharma). In the digital age.
- The Gyanendriyas help us stay aware of what we take in.
- They are responsible for that which other people express.
Bringing together inner discipline and online actions for a safe and people centeric internet ecosystem.
Conclusion – Digital safeness is not a technology thing – it’s a behaviour thing. Becoming a digital citizen entails having a perspective of consuming and contributing, and being conscious.
Disclaimer
This article uses a symbolic interpretation of ancient Indian concepts, Gyanendriyas and Karmendriyas, as a creative tool to draw parallels between classical philosophical wisdom and modern digital safety practices. The It is created solely for teaching and awareness purposes. This material is not intended to hurt any religious or cultural sentiments. It reflects my personal understanding of Indian philosophy
