Buddhist Philosophy in India and Ceylon c16.s3.5

c16.s3.5

In the realm of thought Buddhaghosa has an interesting doctrine of the relations of perception (saññā), intelligence (viññāṇa), and intuition (paññā). He compares them ² to the different reactions provoked by the sight of precious metals in a child, which sees in them coloured objects; in a citizen who recognizes in them utilities with exchange value; and in an expert who can tell their origin and fashioner. On the topic of zest or interest (pīti) he has much to say,³ and he illustrates the superhuman powers which are possessed by a person in such a state.