Pratyaksha

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Pratyaksha in Hinduism is one of the three principal means of knowledge, it means that which is present before the eyes clear, distinct and evident.

Meaning

Pratyaksha (

Vedantins and the Mimamsakas also add Anupalabdhi (non-apprehension) and Arthapatti (presumption)as valid pramanas.[2]

Means of knowledge

Pratyaksha is one of the three principal means of knowledge. The three principal means of knowledge are – 1) Anumana, inference from data, which depends for its value on the possession of the right data, on the right observation of the data including the drawing of the right analogies, the unerring perception of true identity and rejection of false identity, the just estimate of difference and contrast, and on the power of right reasoning from the right data; 2) Pratyaksha which is the process of collecting and knowing the data, and 3) Aptavakya which is evidence, the testimony of men in possession of the sought after knowledge.[3]

Implication

Pratyaksha refers to the faculties of perception with which are connected thoughts (

tattvas or panchakoshas, raga (attachment), vidya (knowledge), niyati (order of things), kala (time) and kalpa (the elements) along with pleasure and pain become objects of knowledge to chit, the intelligence of the self. Super normal intuition is gained after removal of impurities cover the intelligent-self through practice of the eight-fold yogic-discipline.[5]

Pratyaksha knowledge can be gained through a) Worldly pratyaksha, externally through the five senses and internally through mind, and b) Transcendental pratyaksha which is divided into Samanya, Lakshana, Gyana lakshana and Yogaja. Pratyaksha (apparent or obvious) is divided into

Nirvikalpa and Pratibhigya.[6] Pratyaksha knowledge is intuitive in nature and in Yoga and Vedanta is also known as Aparokshanubhuti.[7]

References

  1. ^ Vaman Shivram Apte. "The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary". The Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 185.
  2. ^ Vaman Shivram Apte. "The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary". The Digital Dictionaries of South Asia.
  3. ISBN 9788170587491
    .
  4. ISBN 9788177552577
    .
  5. ISBN 9788126012213
    .
  6. ISBN 9788122310849
    .
  7. ISBN 9788131718179
    .
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