Sakshin
Sākṣin (IAST)Translation: "the witness self"
A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy
Sanskrit: साक्षिन्
Transliteration: Sākṣin
Translation: "the witness self; the intuitive faculty"
Definition:
- According to Dvaita Vedānta, it is the witness consciousness which is the faculty of direct apprehension or perception. It is the purest sense, without defects, and always produces absolutely valid knowledge. It indirectly perceives the objects presented to all the other senses, through the senses, as well as directly perceiving the Self (Ātman), internal organ (Antaḥ-Karaṇa), and the attributes of the Manas or mind (pleasure and pain), ignorance, time, and unmanifested ether. It has two functions: it helps produce knowledge and validity of knowledge. It is the essential attribute of the Self; the Self's own sense organ.
- According to Advaita Vedānta, it is the witness self and neutral. It is consciousness marked by the internal organ (Antaḥ-Karaṇa-Upahita-Caitanya). It is always in relation to consciousness and the witness thereof. It is self-luminous and ever present. It corresponds to the Puruṣa of the Sāṅkhya-Yoga—i.e., as the passive observer of the states of the internal organ. It never appears by itself, but always in association with the internal organ.
The Philosophy of the Panchadasi (Swami Krishnananda)
"The Sakshin or the Witnessing Consciousness is comparable to the lamp which illumines all things in the stage. The lamp in the stage illumines all things equally, from all sides, and shines also when there are no things to shine upon. In a similar manner, the Sakshin is a steady existence, unmoving and unaffected, and illumining everything inside and outside."
Reference:
- Grimes, John (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. Albany: State University of New York Press
- Krishnananda, Swami. The Philosophy of the Panchadasi. Rishikesh, India: The Divine Life Society
