Prajñā (Buddhism)
This article or subsequent section is not sufficiently supported by evidence (e.g., anecdotal evidence). Information without sufficient evidence may be removed in the near future. Please help Wikipedia by researching the information and adding good supporting evidence.
The Sanskrit word Prajñā (Pali: paññā; Tib.: shes rab, Chinese 般若, Pinyin bōrě) describes the great comprehensive wisdom that pervades all things and phenomena throughout the universe. Prajñā thus exists even before human consciousness perceives all forms of existence and attempts to conceptualize them. Prajñā, according to Buddhist teaching, is experienced intuitively and immediately when the body and mind are in a state of equilibrium and the notion of separation of subject and object is overcome in samadhi. To reach this state, Zen Buddhism employs the practice of sitting meditation (zazen). Prajñā is generally regarded as feminine.
The first and the second path of the holy eightfold path in Buddhism are assigned to the wisdom aspect:
- Right view, cognition,
- Right-mindedness, intent.
Right cognition leads the practitioner to the clear understanding that both matter and mind are subject to constant change (anicca). This realization in turn leads him to the first of the Four Noble Truths: "All life is sorrowful. The wisdom of the right mind matures the intention to recognize and overcome the causes of suffering and also to take the further steps on the Eightfold Path until its completion.
Vedanta distinguishes four states of consciousness: Vaishvanara, the waking state, Taijasa, the dream state, Prajñā and Turiya, "the fourth". The Mandukya Upanishad deals with them in detail. The four states of consciousness Avastha are also called Jagrat, Svapna, Sushupti and Turiya.
See also
- Prajnaparamita
- Heart Sutra
- Diamond Sutra
Norm data (subject term): GND: 4242531-1
