What Is Threefold Knowledge and the Realm of Direct Perception

Direct perception is the accurate observation and discernment of the phenomenal world currently occurring and existing, without error. Inferential discernment is when the consciousness engages in thought, analysis, reasoning, and judgment; it may result in accurate discernment or inaccurate discernment. Non-valid discernment relies on the consciousness’s fantasies, inferences, and imaginings, and its outcome may be correct or incorrect. Knowing that the realm of direct perception exists involves the differentiating and discerning activities of consciousness and mind; otherwise, we would not know of the existence of the realm of direct perception. Without the differentiation or discernment of consciousness and mind, we would truly know nothing of the world.

The realm of direct perception is the presently existing state. The seventh consciousness can directly discern it immediately, without needing to compare it with other sense objects, without thought or imagination, and without hypotheses. Even without these steps, it can directly discover the presently existing five sense objects. The first five consciousnesses certainly directly discern the presently existing five sense objects. The mind consciousness, relying on the five consciousnesses, can also directly discern the presently existing five sense objects. If discernment still requires comparison, hypotheses, or imagination, it is clearly the inferential discernment of the mind consciousness. Therefore, the mind consciousness possesses three types of discernment: direct, inferential, and non-valid.