Critical analysis of vedAnta paribhAShA Part XXIV
Dr. K. Sadananda

Part XXIV - Application to Illusions

The question to be addressed next concerns prAtibhAsika objects, such as the snake that is seen where there is really a rope or the silver seen in a shell. Because of the limited data from the senses, the attributive knowledge which is gained about the object is not sufficient for correct cognition. The perceptuality condition of the object is met and therefore, even when there are errors in the cognition, the cognized object is recognized based on the attributes which are available to the mind. The error occurs in the recognition process from memory. (The cognitive conditions or perceptuality criteria are applicable even in the case of illusory perception and therefore VP says they are not restrictive or narrow.) Hence, in summary, an object is said to be cognized by perception when: (1) it is cable of being perceived, (2) it has no independent existence apart from the consciousness associated with the subject or knower, and (3) it has the limiting adjunct of a mental state or vRRitti in the form of the object (attributive content of the object).

In forming the vRRitti-s or mental states, nyAya philosophers have considered various other relations between the substantives and their attributes and how the sense organs relate to these in grasping and forming mental states. We have already discussed some aspects of these, such as saMyoga and samavAya. (Additional relations are considered such as saMyukta-tAdAtmya, saMyukta abhinna-tAdAtmya, saMnikarSha, etc. These are involved in the production of mental states of objects with attributes that are revealed by reflected consciousness. From the standpoint of advaita, all are superimpositions on the all pervading, conscious, existent entity – Brahman.)

Next we will consider the components of the mind.

Proceed to the next essay.