Paroksa
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parokṣa (T. lkog gyur; C. zhiwai 智外) is translated as "hidden," "hidden phenomenon," "obscure phenomenon," etc. It refers to "a phenomenon that cannot initially be cognized by a direct perception but can only be understood by an inference generated in dependence upon a correct reason, e.g. impermanence of a vase."[1]
In the pramana tradition, all "objects of comprehension" (prameya) are classified as either manifest (abhimukhī; things evident to sense perceptions) or hidden (paroksa).[2] "The latter category includes such important matters as subtle impermanence, the existence of rebirth, and the existence of liberation."[2]
Hidden phenomena can be divided into two types:[1]
- slightly hidden phenomenon (kiṃcid-parokṣa) - things that can be known by ordinary beings (e.g., impermanence)
- very hidden phenomenon (atyantaparokṣa)[2] - things that can be known only to a buddha (e.g., the particular effects of karma)
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1
lkog gyur, Christian-Steinert Dictionary
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Robert E. Buswell Jr., Donald S. Lopez Jr., The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism (Princeton: 2014), s.v. paroksa
