Significance of Apprehension
Apprehension, in various philosophical and spiritual contexts, encompasses a range of meanings related to mental understanding and emotional states. In Tibetan Buddhism, it primarily refers to the cognitive process of perceiving or understanding without certainty, which can lead to doubt. In Vaishnavism, it conveys feelings of anxiety or fear, described as 'shanka'. The Purana context highlights the emotional turmoil of Draupadi, while Mahayana emphasizes the human experience of suffering as a distinguishing factor from enlightened beings. Kavyashastra again points to 'shanka' as anxiety about the future.
Synonyms: Anxiety, Worry, Dread, Fear, Trepidation, Concern, Nervousness
In Dutch: Gevangenname; In German: Befürchtung; In Finnish: Pelko; In Spanish: Aprensión
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 mental processes like perceiving and understanding, distinguishing between universal and particular. It involves cognitive perceptions, awareness of suffering, and the grasping of concepts, often lacking certainty and leading to doubt.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The understanding or awareness of something that has been observed, which serves as the basis for doubt.[1] (2) The understanding or perception that people have regarding words and their meanings.[2] (3) The act of grasping or comprehending something without certainty that leads to definitive understanding.[3] (4) The understanding or recognition of a distinct entity that occurs independently from other entities.[4] (5) The mental process of understanding or perceiving something, which does not guarantee certainty in cognition.[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]
Hindu concept of 'Apprehension'
In Hinduism, apprehension, symbolized by the term "shanka," represents feelings of fear, anxiety, and doubt, particularly in the context of impending challenges, as illustrated by Draupadi's tension before confronting Kicaka.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The feeling of anxiety or fear, referred to as shanka.[7] (2) Indicates a sense of doubt or fear, denoted by the term shanka, which complicates the speaker's emotional landscape.[8] (3) This refers to a state of anxiety or uncertainty about a future event, as indicated by the original term ‘shanka’.[9] (4) Shanka; an anxious feeling of anticipating something negative.[10]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A state of anxiety or fear about a potential outcome, contributing to emotional conflicts.[11] (2) Shanka, the feeling of unease or anxiety regarding future events.[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]