Sensory Perception and its Objects (प्रत्यक्ष-प्रमाणम्)

The word perception originates from the Latin word “perceptio”  meaning receiving, collecting, gathering. This term is derived from the verb “percipere” which means “to perceive, to observe, to grasp.”

In Indian Philosophy, Perception is one of the key means of acquiring knowledge, known as Pratyaksha. Pratyaksha refers to direct cognition or knowledge gained through the senses. It is considered as the mode or means to gain knowledge. In the process of perception, there are some technical terms-

• Prama - Valid knowledge or true cognition.
• Pramana- Means or source of knowledge (eg., perception,inference).
• Prameya -  Object of Knowledge. The thing or fact which is known or to be known.
• Pramata -  The person who gains the knowledge. Knower or the Subject.