Pramana: Pratyaksha (प्रमाण: प्रत्यक्ष)

Pratyaksha is direct perception—the knowledge gained through the contact of the sense organs (Indriya) with their object.

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Sanskrit Verse

इन्द्रिय-मनो-अर्थ-सन्निकर्षाद् यत् ज्ञानं प्रवर्तते, तत् प्रत्यक्षम्।

— (Nyaya Sutra - Interpreted)

Explanation

Pratyaksha is direct perception—the knowledge gained through the contact of the sense organs (Indriya) with their objects (Artha), processed by the mind (Manas). This is the basis of all empirical observation.

Clinical Importance

This is the foundation of clinical examination (Pariksha). Everything a physician sees (Darshana), feels (Sparshana), and hears (Shabda) from the patient is a form of Pratyaksha knowledge.