According to Vedānta’s account of perception, which of the following…
2024
According to Vedānta’s account of perception, which of the following statements are correct?
A. A modification of the antaḥkaraṇa is on a par with consciousness.
B. In perceiving an external object, manas goes out toward the object.
C. On reaching the object, the antaḥkaraṇa becomes identified with it.
D. In perception, manas goes out to the external object through the antaḥkaraṇa.
E. In perception, manas goes out to the external object through the senses.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: B. B, C and E only — ConceptIn Advaita Vedānta, external perception is explained through an antaḥkaraṇa-vṛtti, a modification of the inner instrument. The inner instrument is…
- A.
B, C and D only
- B.
B, C and E only
- C.
A, B and E only
- D.
A, B and D only
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
In Advaita Vedānta, external perception is explained through an antaḥkaraṇa-vṛtti, a modification of the inner instrument.
The inner instrument is illuminated by consciousness; it is not itself identical or on a par with pure consciousness. The vṛtti extends through the relevant sense organ, reaches the object, and assumes the object’s form.
Application
Statement B describes the outward movement of manas, a functional aspect of the antaḥkaraṇa, toward the external object.
Statement E identifies the senses as the channels through which the inner instrument reaches an external object.
Statement C describes the vṛtti reaching the object and taking its form; this is the identification relevant to perceptual cognition.
Contrast
Statement A conflates an inert mental modification, which reflects consciousness, with consciousness itself.
Statement D reverses the relation: manas is an aspect of the antaḥkaraṇa, while the outward route to the object is through a sense organ.
Cross-check
The traditional tank-and-channel analogy treats the antaḥkaraṇa as water, the sense organ as the channel, and the object as the field whose form the water assumes. This confirms the same three-stage account.
Therefore, the correct set is B, C and E only.