The Concept of Direct Perception in Ayurveda

Direct perception can be considered as the one and only dependable way to acquire knowledge from the surrounding. Though, in common sense, with the term "direct perception" "seeing an object" is understood but actually it also includes the process of acquiring knowledge through hearing , smelling, touching , taking taste through the sense organs other than the eyes, viz. ears, nose, skin and tongue. An individual acquires knowledge of an object in existence through the five sense organs.

But the practical experience establish that, an object , even in existence, may not be able to prove it's existence through direct perception due to a number of factors. A substance can not be seen if it is too small or too large, a sound can not be perceived if it is of low pitch, smell can not be got if it is coming from a distance, a substance can not be touched if it is being pressed with another substance, taste can not be taken if the sample can not be got.

Interestingly Charaka, the founder of Indian Medicine has explained the obstacles of direct perception under the heading "PRATYAKSHYANUPALABDHI" which proves the depth of knowledge and observation of the ancient scholars.