Similarly, in all sensual activities, the life force is activated to rise in its conversion-level according to the degree of force and quality of the object with which one gets contact through the senses. All such perceptions are imprinted in the brain cells repeatedly.
When there is no fresh object for conversion, the imprints reflect according to the degree of force and quality of the objects that one received before. Whatever one perceives, the same degree of force and quality of the object is assimilated.
For example, we see an elephant. By the conversion of a particular amount and degree of your life-force, we assume the shape and qualities of the elephant. After the elephant leaves or when we close our eyes, the elephant is perceived within we whenever we think of it. Who is there in the shape of elephant? Only we are present when we saw the elephant, we took the shape of the elephant, having the real elephant as a mould. After removing the physical object we remain as a mould.
Whatever the perception that is enjoyed or experienced, that duration of time becomes the strength of that quality in the personality, proportionate to the previously conditions character. All such perceptions and experiences condition the behavior, character and quality of the person.
That which is the experience of the soul and the behavior of the soul is the quality of the person. In each and every perception the conversion level gets changed according to the object of contact. So the life force is always fluctuating in its level of conversion. This level of conversion of the life-force is said in Sanskrit to be thanmathra. As the life-force gets converted into five states, i.e., pressure, sound, light, taste and smell, the process is described as pancha thanmathra.
Now Vethathiri maharishi explains how the sensation is felt as pleasure or pain according to the concept of pancha thanmathra. In the human system, the life energy is constantly in the process of being charged, maintained at stock levels, and being consumed. Because of fluctuation in the quantity of life-force due to charge and consumption, the stock may vary now and then in quantity and intensity. When sufficient quantity and intensity are maintained, both the physical and the psychic functions are normal.
One may feel that state as harmonious. But when the intensity of the life-force comes down to a stage less than the critical level, both the physical and the mental functions get disturbed or disorganized. This is felt as fatigue, weakness and restlessness. If this condition persists, it results in physical or mental strain leading to illness. In order to maintain the life-force properly, that is at a level above the critical stage, one must regulate the quantity and quality of food, sleep, general activities, sexual activity and thought force.
The purpose and inherent aim of human birth is to develop consciousness to its fullest. The process of living is the experience of feelings. Feelings may be divided into four categories
1.Pain
2.Pleasure
3.Peace
4.Ecstasy.
Truth seekers and scientists should ascertain the source of pleasure and pain and instruct people to regulate sensual enjoyments so as to maintain harmony and peace in life.
