This article deals with the meaning and function of saññā in perception. “Recognition” seems to be the best translation for saññā, since this term conveys the sense of both cognizing and naming, which are the two main activities carried out by saññā. Saññā collects the not yet well-defined information provided by the senses and, also through its comparative function, organizes this information into a datum that is so made available to the consciousness (viññāṇa). Saññā processes both simple data like color, and complex phenomena like death or danger. Saññā can, however, fail in its task to recognize things. Key terms: Buddhist theory of mind, Buddhist theory of perception, Pāli Canon, phassa, recognition, saññā, vedanā, viññāṇa.
目次
[Table of Contents]
1. Preliminary Remarks 1.1. The Meaning of Saññā 1.1.1. Various Translations of Saññā 1.1.2. Recognizing and Naming 2. Saññā, Vedanā, and Viññāṇa: General Assessment 2.1. Sañña and Vedanā (with Reference to Phassa) 2.2. The Role and Function of Saññā 2.2.1. Excursus 1: The Relation of Viññāṇa to Vedanā and Saññā in Perception 2.2.2. Saññā and Comparison 3. Saññā and Complex Events 3.1. Excursus 2: When Saññā Fails 4. Conclusions References Primary Sources (Original Text) Primary Sources (Translations) Secondary Sources (Essays and Articles)