Vijñāna
From Theosopedia
A Sanskrit term for “knowledge,” but suggesting limited or analytic knowledge, since the prefix vi- indicates separation. It is identified in its P€li form (viññana) as one of the twelve nidanas or causes of rebirth in the Buddhist Chain of Dependent Co-Origination (Pali: paticcasamuppada; S.: pratitysamutpada). In the Yogacara School of Mahayana Buddhism, the term is used to signify conditioned consciousness; its contrast is prajña, usually translated “wisdom.”
© Copyright by the Theosophical Publishing House, Manila
