Pramāṇa and Apramāṇa in Consciousness

The direct perception of consciousness, the correctness of knowing constitutes direct perception; understanding the Dharma as it truly is without error refers to direct perception. Conformity with reality constitutes direct perception; realization of truth constitutes direct perception. Knowing correctly without comparison constitutes direct perception; knowing correctly without imagination or illusion, and aligning with actual circumstances, constitutes direct perception. If all consciousness is direct perception, the incorrect perception of the manas (mind-root) will inevitably be transformed accordingly, enabling one to know all dharmas as they truly are.

Looking at an apple with the eyes yet perceiving it as a pear constitutes incorrect perception, not direct perception. Deliberately speaking falsehood with open eyes is incorrect perception. Recalling events from childhood or comprehending a matter also constitutes direct perception. Observing that the physical form of a past life is not the self, or observing that the physical form of a future life is not the self—when the observation is correct, it constitutes direct perception. Divine insight knowing the affairs of beings countless eons ago constitutes direct perception; knowing events countless eons in the future constitutes direct perception.