Manana
Manana (IAST)Translation: "reflection / consideration"
A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy
Sanskrit: मनन
Transliteration: Manana
Translation: "reflection; consideration"
Definition:
- According to Advaita Vedānta, it removes the doubt of an aspirant regarding the nature of the object (Prameya) to be contemplated—i.e., the Absolute (Brahman). Reflection is to be employed so as to get an intellectual conviction of the truth. It is the constant thinking of the Absolute (Brahman).
- According to Advaita Vedānta, the path of knowledge consists of three steps: study (Śravana), reflection (Manana), and contemplation (Nididhyāsana). Reflection is discovering how and why the teachings are true. The truth has been discovered by study, but now any doubts (Asambhāvanā) are to be removed so that what has been received on trust can be made one's own. This reveals a unique feature of Advaita which posits and recognizes the value of analytical reflection.
- See Mukhya-Antaraṅga-Sādhana.
Reference:
- Grimes, John (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. Albany: State University of New York Press
