Significance of Apprehension
Apprehension is a multifaceted concept that varies across different philosophical traditions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it encompasses mental processes of understanding and perception without certainties, highlighting the intricacies of cognition. In Vaishnavism, apprehension, denoted by 'shanka', signifies feelings of anxiety and doubt concerning future events. The Purana illustrates apprehension as fear experienced by Draupadi, while Mahayana distinguishes between ordinary suffering and the enlightened state. Kavyashastra similarly addresses this feeling as a source of emotional conflict, underscoring its significance in human experience.
Synonyms: Anxiety, Unease, Dread, Worry, Concern, Fear, Trepidation, Nervousness, Tension
In Dutch: Gevangenname; In Finnish: Pelko; In Spanish: Aprensión; In German: Befürchtung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Apprehension'
In Buddhism, Apprehension encompasses various mental processes, including understanding, perceiving, and recognizing entities. It highlights the uncertainty in cognition, the basis for doubt, and distinguishes between ordinary perception and enlightened awareness.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) It is considered the very essence or nature of cognition, much like satisfaction is inherently linked to pleasure. It is also comparable to the nature of light and is self-cognizant.[1] (2) 'Apprehension' of something else constitutes non-apprehension, and as such, is of the nature of perception, as stated in Kamalashila’s commentary on the doctrine of the Thing by Itself.[2] (3) Signifies the act of grasping, understanding, or perceiving something, particularly a Thing or a Moment in the context of cognition.[3] (4) Apprehension refers to the understanding or grasping of something, and the text questions how negation itself can be apprehended, leading to discussions of infinite regress and mutual interdependence.[4] (5) It is a synonym for cognition. It is also referred to as comprehension, objective consciousness, and ideation. It is the same as ‘apprehending of the object’.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Refers to the mental state of perceiving or experiencing suffering and worry, which distinguishes common mortals from the enlightened Tathagata.[6]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) While those consumed by greed feel no fear, others experience apprehension for them, recognizing the danger of carelessness and indifference towards this trait.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Apprehension'
In Hinduism, apprehension, or "shanka," signifies anxiety or fear about future events, reflecting emotional complexity and uncertainty. It highlights characters' struggles, such as Draupadi's fear facing Kicaka, portraying the tension of impending challenges.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Apprehension, also known as shankha, is a feeling of fear that arises from the same source as joy, representing one of the two differing bhavas.[8] (2) The feeling of anxiety or fear, referred to as shanka.[9] (3) Indicates a sense of doubt or fear, denoted by the term shanka, which complicates the speaker's emotional landscape.[10] (4) This refers to a state of anxiety or uncertainty about a future event, as indicated by the original term ‘shanka’.[11] (5) Shanka; an anxious feeling of anticipating something negative.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The feeling of fear and unease that overtakes Draupadi as she prepares to confront Kicaka, underlining the tension of the situation.[13]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) According to the text, the universal soul shows itself in some form or other to our deluded senses and understandings, and this also according to our different "apprehensions" of the same thing.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Marica felt apprehension about confronting the warrior who was furnished with arrows, sword and bow, understanding that such an opposition would certainly lead to the forfeiture of his own life.[15]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Apprehension, or shanka, has doubt as its basis and relates to women and persons of the inferior type, caused by Determinants such as theft or giving offence to the king, represented by constantly looking on and hesitating movement.[16]
The concept of Apprehension in scientific sources
Apprehension, in this context, signifies the intelligent acceptance of an idea or fact presented in a proposition. It suggests assenting to truth without requiring complete comprehension of the statement.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) A historical feeling of worry or distrust regarding external providers, often viewing them as adversaries rather than collaborators, which resulted in low levels of commitment and dependability in interactions.[17]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Apprehension is the intelligent acceptance of an idea or fact, which a proposition enunciates, where one does not need to fully understand a statement to assent to its truth.[18]