Significance of Means of Knowledge
Means of Knowledge in various philosophical traditions highlights diverse methodologies for acquiring understanding and cognition. Tibetan Buddhism discusses tools like perception and inference, along with scriptures as valid sources. Similarly, Purana emphasizes practices for spiritual enlightenment, while Yoga categorizes methods within meditation. Vedanta mentions tools leading to self-realization, specifically defining how knowledge about Brahman is attained. Across these perspectives, Means of Knowledge refers to essential methods and practices for gaining insight, understanding phenomena, and achieving knowledge, significantly aid in spiritual and secular contexts.
Synonyms: Sources of information, Means of education., Methods of learning, Ways of understanding, Channels of knowledge
In Dutch: Middelen van kennis; In Finnish: Tiedon välineet; In Spanish: Medios de conocimiento; In German: Mittel der Erkenntnis; In Swedish: Medel för Kunskap; In Malay: Sarana Ilmu; In French: Moyens de connaissance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Means of Knowledge'
In Buddhism, Means of Knowledge encompasses various methods and mechanisms for acquiring understanding, emphasizing traditional avenues like Perception and Inference, while excluding Non-apprehension, illustrating how knowledge is validated through its capacity to reveal the unknown.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the methods or instruments through which understanding or awareness is achieved, with the Veda being considered a valid one.[1] (2) The tools or methods through which understanding is achieved, limited to Perception and Inference in this context.[2] (3) The mechanisms or tools through which understanding or cognition is achieved.[3] (4) The mechanisms or processes through which cognition occurs; they are discussed in the context of their limitations and relation to the existence of objects.[4] (5) The method or evidence available to ascertain the presence or absence of consciousness or cognition during specific states.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Means of Knowledge'
In Hinduism, Means of Knowledge encompasses diverse methodologies for acquiring understanding, including perception, reasoning, and scripture, essential for grasping the nature of reality and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Various methods or sources through which knowledge is acquired.[6] (2) A method or medium through which understanding is derived, which in this context, sound lacks when referring to undifferentiated entities.[7] (3) The methods or avenues through which understanding and awareness of things, particularly those that are modes of Brahman, are attained.[8] (4) Refers to the processes or tools (like speech and mind) that are implied to lack relevance in understanding Brahman.[9] (5) Refers to perception and other cognitive faculties through which understanding arises, crucial for grasping the text's teachings.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Scripture, consisting of the Rig-veda, is the source or cause through which one can understand the nature of Brahman, which is the cause of the origin of the world, indicating that it is a way to obtain knowledge.[11] (2) These are methods or instruments used to acquire understanding, which end with the cognition of 'I am Brahman' when the non-dual Self is comprehended.[12] (3) The words are the only 'means of knowledge' for certain things, so resorting to a figurative sense in such cases is indefensible, because an assumption of that nature would lead to a general want of confidence.[13] (4) Refers to methods or pathways through which understanding can be attained, particularly in the context of spiritual learning.[14] (5) The various methods or tools that facilitate understanding and cognition, which in this context are argued to be incapable of identifying the substratum of impressions.[15]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The method or pathway that facilitates the attainment of Brahman through understanding and elimination of ignorance.[16] (2) The various methods or tools, including perception and injunctions, that are traditionally used to attain knowledge but are deemed unnecessary for realizing Brahman-Atman.[17] (3) Refers to the various methods or instruments used to acquire knowledge about an object.[18] (4) The instruments or methodologies through which knowledge is acquired or established.[19] (5) Refers to the methods or processes required to acquire knowledge; in this case, it is stated that no other means are necessary.[20]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The necessary tools or methods, such as direct perception and inference, that aid in the realization of Atman.[21] (2) Refers to the tools or faculties, such as the eye in vision, that are used to perceive or understand objects.[22]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to the methods or pathways through which understanding and wisdom are achieved.[23]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Methods or ways by which information or understanding is acquired, such as perception or inference.[24] (2) Refers to various methods or approaches through which individuals acquire knowledge, such as sensory perception and inference.[25] (3) Means of knowledge are the methods or systems through which information or understanding is acquired, notably through the five senses.[26] (4) The processes or methods through which one gains understanding or cognition about a subject, which do not inherently express meanings through denotations alone.[27] (5) Refers to the method or approach through which knowledge is obtained; in the text, 'Probability' is highlighted as a distinct means of knowledge.[28]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Methods through which individuals can obtain insight and understanding regarding the essence of existence and self-awareness.[29] (2) Methods utilized to acquire understanding and distinguish different entities.[30] (3) a method or approach for acquiring understanding, distinct from the reality of what is being known.[31] (4) The methods employed in meditation that facilitate understanding and connection with the object of contemplation.[32] (5) Methods through which understanding is acquired; categorized as perception and other forms.[33]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The method or means through which understanding or learning is acquired.[34] (2) Refers to cognitive approaches or methods by which truth and understanding are obtained, particularly in the context of Vedic teachings.[35] (3) The methods or tools through which one recognizes or perceives cleanliness or contamination of items.[36] (4) Sources through which individuals understand Dharma; those relying on the Veda are considered learned.[37]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The methods or channels through which understanding and perception are attained.[38]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Various methods, such as teachings from preceptors or physical experiences, used to attain spiritual understanding.[39]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The tools or faculties through which understanding is attained, as manifested by some sages.[40]