which insect became engrossed in sparshendriya that he become weak and lost his life?
Answer
In Jain teachings, the elephant is commonly given as the example of a being that becomes engrossed in sparśendriya — the sense of touch — and loses its life.
Explanation
Jain Dharma explains that attachment to the five senses can trap the soul in suffering. Traditional examples are often given:
- Touch (sparśendriya): Elephant
- Taste (rasanendriya): Fish
- Smell (ghrāṇendriya): Bee
- Sight (cakṣurindriya): Moth
- Hearing (śrotrendriya): Deer
The elephant is attracted through the sense of touch and becomes trapped, leading to suffering and death.
Takeaway
The teaching reminds us that even a powerful being can be destroyed by attachment to one sense. Therefore, Jain Dharma emphasizes sense-control, awareness, and detachment.