vikalpa

Indian philosophy

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July 14, 2026

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In Indian philosophy, vikalpa refers to mental states that arise from language and refer to concepts or objects that exist only as words, not in reality. These states are considered neither valid nor invalid and are unavoidable when using language. This concept is important in epistemology, the study of knowledge, particularly within schools like Yoga.1

Indian philosophy, in general, explores profound questions about truth, knowledge, and reality, often differing from Western philosophical traditions. Key schools like Samkhya and Yoga delve into metaphysics and epistemology, examining the relationship between consciousness (purusha) and matter (prakriti). The ultimate goal in many of these traditions is liberation (moksha), a state of release from the cycle of rebirth.213

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Indian philosophy
Metaphysics and epistemology
…concerns the key notion of vikalpa, which stands for mental states referring to pseudo-objects posited only by words. Such mental states are neither “valid” nor “invalid” and are said to be unavoidable accompaniments of one’s use of language.
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…concerns the key notion of vikalpa, which stands for mental states referring to pseudo-objects posited only by words. Such mental states are neither “valid” nor “invalid” and are said to be unavoidable accompaniments of one’s use of language.
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Buddhism
Yogachara/Vijnanavada (Faxiang/Hossō)
Corresponding to false imagination (vikalpa), right knowledge, and suchness are the three modes of being: the mere fictions of false imagination; the relative existence of things, under certain conditions or aspects; and the perfect mode of being. Corresponding to this threefold version of the modes of being and awareness…
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Corresponding to false imagination (vikalpa), right knowledge, and suchness are the three modes of being: the mere fictions of false imagination; the relative existence of things, under certain conditions or aspects; and the perfect mode of being. Corresponding to this threefold version of the modes of being and awareness…
Read More