Debating Yogic Perception: A Philosophical Roundtable

This year's roundtable will focus on yogic perception, or the idea that certain people have direct knowledge of objects or truths beyond the reach of ordinary sense-perception. Our starting-point will be Kumārila’s critique of yogic perception in the Ślokavārttika. Panelists will discuss responses to Kumārila’s objections as well as arguments in favor of yogic perception, drawing from the Yogasūtras, the Jain thinkers Amṛtacandra and Hemacandra, Abhinavagupta, and Vivekananda. The goal of the format is to create a space for lively and rigorous discussion, rather than traditional paper presentations. A handout with the original Sanskrit and an English translation of selections from Kumārila will be provided.