Prajñā
The Sanskrit word Prajna ( Pali : panna; Tib : shes rab. Chinese 般若 , Pinyin Bore ) describes the large comprehensive wisdom that permeates all things and phenomena in the universe. Prajñā therefore already exists before human consciousness perceives all forms of existence and tries to conceptualize them. According to Buddhist teaching, prajñā is experienced intuitively and directly when body and mind are in a state of equilibrium and the idea of the separation of subject and object is overcome in samadhi . In order to get into this state, the practice of sitting meditation ( zazen ) is used in Zen Buddhism . Prajñā is generally considered feminine.
The first and second paths of the sacred eightfold path in Buddhism are assigned to the wisdom aspect :
- Right view, knowledge,
- Right disposition, intention.
The right recognition leads the practitioner to clear view that both matter and mind are subject to constant change ( anicca ). This knowledge in turn leads him to the first of the four noble truths : "All life is sorrowful" . The wisdom of the right attitude ripens the intention to recognize and overcome the causes of suffering and also to take the further steps on the eightfold path to its completion.
The Vedanta distinguishes four states of consciousness: Vaishvanara , the waking state, the Taijasa , the dream state, Prajñā and Turiya , "the fourth". The Mandukya Upanishad deals with them extensively. The four states of consciousness Avastha are also called Jagrat , Svapna , Sushupti and Turiya.