Significance of Recognition

Recognition, as understood in various philosophical traditions, encompasses the cognitive processes involved in identifying and understanding previously known information. In Jainism, Recognition (Samjna) emphasizes the capacity to recall learned concepts. Tibetan Buddhism expands on this by suggesting it involves acknowledgment amidst varying perceptions and highlights the understanding of objects through familiarity. Additionally, Vaisheshika focuses on how Recognition identifies objects through their distinctive features despite commonalities. Overall, Recognition is crucial for cognitive understanding and unity across these schools of thought.1

Synonyms: Acknowledgment, Appreciation, Validation, Acceptance, Identification, Approval, Commendation, Notice, Respect., Detection, Admiration

In Dutch: Herkenning; In Finnish: Tunnustus

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Recognition'

Buddhism Books

Recognition in Buddhism involves cognitive processes of understanding and acknowledging familiarity with objects, emphasizing the unity of perception and prior experiences while discerning characteristics and attributes amidst variations. It highlights awareness and identification in cognition.

Significance of Recognition in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The cognitive process through which something is identified or acknowledged, important for establishing the idea of unity.^[1] (2) A form of cognition that involves identifying or acknowledging something previously known or learned.^[2] (3) The acknowledgment or identification of something that has already been perceived, even amidst variations.^[3] (4) The cognitive process of identifying and understanding an object that aligns with prior experiences or cognitions.^[4] (5) The cognitive process by which individuals perceive and understand sound, which leads to the conclusion that sound is one and all-pervading.^[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Recognition'

Hinduism Books

Recognition in Hinduism signifies the cognitive process of identifying entities through unique characteristics, which may be obscured by dominant similarities, highlighting the complexities of perception and understanding within the spiritual context.

Significance of Recognition in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):

Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) The mental process of identifying an object based on its distinctive features, which can be hindered by overwhelming common properties.^[6]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Jain concept of 'Recognition'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Recognition, or Samjna, signifies the capability to identify and recall prior knowledge, highlighting the importance of memory and awareness in understanding one’s spiritual journey and learning.

Significance of Recognition in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Samjna, the ability to identify or recognize previously learned information.^[7]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Last Updated: 28 October, 2024