Alternative spellings of this word include Panchavijnana.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Pañcavijñāna (पञ्चविज्ञान) [=Vijñānapañcaka?] refers to the “five knowledges”, according to the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 7th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—The Yoga of chapter 100 offers the possibility of accomplishing mastery over the clans of goddesses through a process of inner realization alone. Similarly, the Yoga of Brahmayāmala 99 (called vijñānapañcaka, “the five knowledges”) promises the ability to enter the bodies of others without recourse to external supports (cakra or yantra), through manipulation of a series of inner resonances (rāva). Incorporation of such meditational disciplines into the text’s latter strata marks a trend towards increasing differentiation between meditation and ‘ritual’—between yoga and kriyā—and the subversion of outer forms of ritual.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Pañcavijñāna (पञ्चविज्ञान) refers to “the first five consciousnesses” According to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XIV).—The first five consciousnesses (pañcavijñāna) are unable to conceive (vikalpanā) things; they do not know their names (nāma) or their symbols (saṃketa) or their marks (nimitta). At the moment it is produced, the visual consciousness (cakṣur-vijñāna) is like a first indication; but it is the mental consciousness arising later that knows the thing. This is why the faculty of pleasure associated with the first five consciousnesses is unable to perfect (paripṛ) happiness; it is the faculty of pleasure associated with the mental consciousness that perfects bliss (sukha).

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vijnana, Panca.

Full-text: Samkshiptacitta, Pravishta, Dhyanapravishta, Samkshipta, Manovijnana, Vijnanapancaka.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Pancavijnana, Pañcavijñāna, Panca-vijnana, Pañca-vijñāna; (plurals include: Pancavijnanas, Pañcavijñānas, vijnanas, vijñānas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

V. The concept of revulsion toward food (āhāre pratikūla-saṃjñā) < [Chapter XXXVII - The Ten Concepts]

Act 5.9: All beings obtained the mind of equanimity < [Chapter XIV - Emission of rays]

Emptiness 1-3: Inner, Outer and both Inner and Outer < [Chapter XLVIII - The Eighteen Emptinesses]

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