Theos-Talk Archives (November 2000 Message tt00011)

Dear Nicholas and All,

It might be helpful to note William Q. Judge's rendition of Pantanjali's Yoga
Aphorisms (I, 7) gives it as Perception, Inference and Testimony. "Testimony"
would seem to have a different meaning than that usually given to "authority."

These three, by the way, are the basis for "Correct Cognition," which Patanjali
calls one of the "modifications of the mind," and not the highest source of
knowledge.

Best Regards,
Wes


> Most of the commentaries I've read say authority of the scriptures or an
> enlightened yogi. Vivekananda brings out a legitimate inference, by saying
> "authority" means real authority ie, authority based on insights from one's
> real self. However, it takes a wee bit of training as a yogi, several
> lifetimes that is, to know which insights are from our true nature and which
> are not.
> Nick
>
> > > Throughout the Orient most schools of thought consider correct view, valid
> > > proof or pramanas (in Skt.) important. They vary on the number chosen.
> > For example the Yoga school of Patanjali gives (I, 7) three ways. 1) Sensory
>
> > > perception; 2) Inference; and 3) Authority.