Significance of Knowable
The term "Knowable" encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical perspectives. In Jainism, it represents entities or concepts understood through perception during spiritual practice. Tibetan Buddhism considers it as anything that can be grasped via cognition. The Purana frames "Knowable" as concepts comprehensible to the wise, often distorting perception. In Yoga, it pertains to entities perceived by the mind, indicating that while the wise and unwise may perceive differently, the essence of Knowable remains undestroyed and comprises elements of illumination, activity, and inertia.
Synonyms: Familiar, Comprehensible, Perceptible, Intelligible
In Dutch: Kenbaar; In Finnish: Tunnettu; In Spanish: Conocible; In German: Erkennbar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Knowable'
In Buddhism, "Knowable" encompasses all entities and concepts that can be understood through cognitive processes, emphasizing an appreciation for the nature of reality and the ability to attain knowledge through mental awareness and insight.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to all things that can be comprehended or understood through the act of cognition.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Knowable'
In Hinduism, "Knowable" encompasses entities comprehensible by the wise, perceptions shaped through interactions, and elements characterized by illumination and inertia, highlighting the complex relationship between knowledge, consciousness, and perception.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The knowable encompasses everything that can be owned or perceived but is not itself the knower.[2] (2) Refers to entities that can be perceived or understood, indicating that certain aspects of the mind cannot be self-referential but are known through interactions.[3] (3) The object of consciousness, which is perceived differently by the wise and unwise but is ultimately not destroyed.[4] (4) Represents that which can be known or understood, which becomes minimal when knowledge itself is infinite.[5] (5) The essence that consists of elements and powers and is characterized by illumination, activity, and inertia.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Concepts or entities that can be understood, often deluding perception.[7] (2) A term referring to concepts or beings that can be understood or comprehended, particularly by the wise.[8]
The concept of Knowable in local and regional sources
Knowable represents the concept that as knowledge expands infinitely, the significance of what can be known diminishes, akin to how the vast universe seems negligible in the presence of the Purusha, suggesting a philosophical viewpoint on knowledge and existence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The knowable becomes small when knowledge becomes infinite, and the whole universe with all its objects of knowledge becomes as nothing before the Purusha.[9]