Perception in Mahayana Buddhism: A study of Contemporary Perspective

บทคัดย่อ

This study investigates the concept of perception in Buddhism from a contemporary analytical perspective, emphasizing its philosophical foundations, psychological dimensions, and practical applications. The significance of this research lies in its attempt to bridge classical Buddhist epistemology with modern intellectual discourse, particularly in psychology and cognitive science. By examining primary sources from early Buddhist texts alongside contemporary scholarly interpretations, the study clarifies how perception (saññā) functions within the Buddhist framework of cognition and experiential reality.

The findings reveal that perception in Buddhism is not merely a passive sensory process but an active, conditioned construction shaped by mental formations, memory, and conceptual proliferation. Within Buddhist epistemology, perception operates in dynamic interdependence with consciousness and feeling, contributing to the formation of self-identity and experiential suffering. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that mindfulness practices serve as practical methods for refining perception, enabling practitioners to observe cognitive processes with greater clarity and reduce distorted interpretations of reality. The body of knowledge gained from this study contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue by showing conceptual parallels between Buddhist theories of perception and contemporary models in cognitive science, particularly regarding constructive perception, attentional processes, and neuroplasticity. This research therefore offers a framework for integrating Buddhist philosophical insights into modern psychological and neuroscientific discussions, while also reaffirming the practical relevance of Buddhist perception theory in promoting mental well-being and self-awareness in contemporary society.