MIND : ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL : 12-4.2

Chapter-12. THEORY OF PERCEPTION : 4.2

4. PERCEPTION ACCORDING TO SANKHYA PHILOSOPHY-2

First of all, there is the instrument or Karana—for instance, the fleshy eye.

It takes the

sense-impressions to the centre or Indriya.

The mind is then connected with the centre and the external instruments, namely, the physical eye, ear, etc.

The mind carries the impressions still further and presents them to the Buddhi, the determinative faculty, which reacts.

Then flashes out the idea of egoism or Ahankara, which self-arrogates and identfies with Abhimana.

Then the mixture of action and reaction is presented to the Purusha, the real Soul who perceives an object in the mixture.


Knowledge comes through contact with objects (Indriyartha-Sannikarsha).

To know a Prapancha Vishaya, Indriya, Antahkarana and Jiva are required. Indriya will see the Vishaya.

Mind will make it appear.

Buddhi, with the help of Abhasa Chaitanya, will understand it. Mind, senses and the Karanas (external instruments) such as the physical eye, ear, etc., should all be joined together.

Then only perception of an object is possible.

The object comes in contact with the senses. The senses are linked to the mind.

The mind is connected to the Atman.

The Atman illumines.

This is with reference to the physical plane.

Next : 5. THE VEDANTIC THEORY

Swami Sivananda
To be continued  ...