Aparoksha

Aparoksha

"invisible", "perceptible", "perceived"

Aparoksha is direct intuitive knowledge that transcends human experience.

In Indian philosophy, three types of knowledge are traditionally indicated: pratyaksha (empirical), paroksha (intellectual) and aparoksha (transcendental). Pratyaksha refers to the perception of the senses. Paroksha is intellectual agreement with statements about Brahman, which are expressed by teachers or contained in the scriptures. Within the framework of paroksha, “indirect” wisdom develops – a person receives a theoretical understanding of Brahman’s existence:

sarvaṃ khalvidaṃ brahma tajjalāniti śānta upāsīta | atha khalu kratumayaḥ puruṣo yathākraturasmim̐lloke puruṣo bhavati tathetaḥ pretya bhavati sa kratuṃ kurvīta || 3.14.1 ||

All this is Brahman. Everything emanates from Brahman, everything returns to Brahman, and everything is sustained by Brahman. Thus one should meditate calmly on Brahman. Further, [every] person consists of beliefs (intentions, views on the world). What beliefs a person will have in this life, so he will become after leaving this world. Therefore, you should develop your convictions.

“Chandogya Upanishad”

Aparoksha is the comprehension of one's own non-dual nature, awareness of oneself as the eternal Brahman: aham brahmāsmi अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि (“I am Brahman”). Aparoksha is achieved by the disciple developing a sincere relationship with Guru (Guru-shishya sambandhana) who possesses this knowledge. The acquisition of aparoksha-jnana is accompanied by practices leading to stability of the experience gained: śravaṇa (reading and listening to śruti), manana (reflecting on what has been heard) and nididhyāsana (deep meditation on essential understanding). Due to shravana and manana, the disciple gets the experience of aparoksha, which, however, may turn out to be unstable, after which the habitual mental constructions and "fantasies" (vikalpa) return with the same force. Realization in the practice of nididhyasana finally eliminates vikalpas and leads to an unshakable awareness of the Supreme nature (nirvikalpa).