The six internal sense fields refer to the five physical senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch plus mind (the mind is always included with the five senses in Buddhist thought, for a total of six, not the usual Western five). These internal sense fields are the base of all perception, physical or mental. The six external sense fields are the objects perceived by the six internal sense fields. The six consciousnesses are the awarenesses that arise as a consequence of perception at the juncture of internal and external sense fields. The six contacts are the result of the combination of internal sense fields, external sense fields, and consciousness. The six feelings refer to the arising of pain or pleasure with regard to the object perceived immediately after the emergence of consciousness. The six cravings are the reactions of like or dislike born of the feeling of pain or pleasure.
Basic Buddhist Concepts