Because they are only matter, the body, the life airs, the external and internal senses, the five gross elements and the subtle sense objects [form, taste, smell, sound and touch] cannot know their own nature, the nature of the other senses or the nature of their controllers. But the living being, because of his spiritual nature, can know his body, the life airs, the senses, the elements and the sense objects, and he can also know the three qualities that form their roots. Nevertheless, although the living being is completely aware of them, he is unable to see the Supreme Being, who is omniscient and unlimited. I therefore offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
देहोऽसवोऽक्षा मनवो भूतमात्रा नात्मानमन्यं च विदुः परं यत् । सर्वं पुमान् वेद गुणांश्च तज्ज्ञो न वेद सर्वज्ञमनन्तमीडे
deho'savo'kṣā manavo bhūtamātrā nātmānamanyaṃ ca viduḥ paraṃ yat | sarvaṃ pumān veda guṇāṃśca tajjño na veda sarvajñamanantamīḍe
SB 6.4.25