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86
Hermann Kuhn
3 - Evaluating the perception (avaya) - In this stage we
ascertain details of the object and confirm to our consciousness what exactly we perceived.
EXAMPLE: By observing the flapping of the wings we ascertain that this is a swan and not a flag.
4 - Consolidating and retaining (dharana) - Consoli
dating our perception means connecting it to previous experiences. Once this is done, we need not retain the entire object or event in our memory, but only those features that distinguish it from similar patterns already imprinted in our consciousness. Storing the new pattern in our memory ensures that we will not forget it.
Stored information supports a dimension of understanding that goes far beyond the range of a single perception.
By recalling previous perceptions from our memory we can establish connections to other events or objects.
EXAMPLE: This is the same swan I saw this morning.
The multitude of stored experiences eventually creates a multi-layered and complex picture of the world as we perceive it.
SUTRA 16 बहुबहुविधक्षिप्रानिःसृतानुक्तध्रुवाणां सेतराणाम् ॥ १६ ॥ Bahu bahuvidha ksipra nihsrta nukta dhruvanam setaranam (16)
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