Perception According to Vyakarana Sastra
By V. D. Hegde
Summary
V. D. Hegde’s article examines perception according to Vyakarana Sastra, focusing on the evolution and comprehension of sound and words. The subject is the interaction between the speaker, who produces sounds, and the hearer, who perceives them. The main argument is that language is a mental phenomenon, where thought is translated into words, and perception is an active process involving both physiological and psychological dimensions. The author discusses the indivisibility of the sentence, contrasting the Padavadin view that a sentence is a combination of terms with the Vakyavadin view that it is an indivisible unit. Patafljali is cited as differentiating a word from substance, action, quality, and class, defining a word as sound that simultaneously gives an idea upon utterance. The evolution of sound is described as a process where the soul urges the mind to vocalize thought, stimulating physical air that moves to the vocal apparatus to manifest as audible sound, a view supported by the Chsndogya Upanisad and Paniniya Sik 5 a. Bhartrhari and Punyaraja are mentioned for their theories on the transformation of air into sound and the three forms of Vak, namely PaSyanti, Madhyama, and Vaikharl. The article explores the concept of Sphota, defined by Patafljali as having unity, indivisibility, and eternity, where sound serves to manifest Sphota. Bhartrhari elaborates on the dual aspects of Sabda, distinguishing between Sakrama and Akrama forms, and the triple aspects of Sabda as both object of perception and perceiver. The relationship between word and meaning is central, with Bhartrhari asserting they are different aspects of the same entity. The Upanisads state that the mind expresses itself in speech and speech resides in the mind. The article mentions that Naman and Rupa are correlated, and grammarians equate Sabda with Brahman, as Bhartrhari holds Sabda itself to be Brahman. The process of perception involves the mind, intellect, and sense organs, with impediments such as excessive proximity, darkness, and infirmity affecting perception. The author references various texts including the Vakyapadiya, Mahabhasya, Chandogya Upanisad, and works by Punyaraja, Helaraja, and Nagesha.
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Conclusion
The article elucidates that perception according to Vyakarana Sastra is a complex, active interaction bridging the speaker and listener, fundamentally rooted in the evolution of sound from the mind through physical and mental processes. It highlights the grammatical debate on the indivisibility of the sentence versus its component terms, establishing the sentence as a primary unit of thought and expression. The text delineates the dual nature of Sabda, distinguishing between the physical sound and the indivisible, eternal Sphota, which is the true vehicle of meaning. Ultimately, the study underscores the inseparable, causal connection between word and meaning, positing that language is a profound mental phenomenon where consciousness and verbal expression are inextricably linked.