61. HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 67

HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 67

(iii) The reflection of object on the Buddhi.

(iv) Ahańkāra1 which is responsible

(a) for the unification of the two reflections of the subject and the object,

(b) for identification of the reflection of the subject with the subject itself,

(c) for the use of this union of the subject and the object for practical purposes, (d) for the rise of consciousness "I know this".

THE PROCESS.

1. The Buddhi receives reflection of object from without.

2. The reflection of the subject comes from within. 3. Ahankāra unites them.

3. The two reflections merge into each other. 5. The object shines. This shining of the object, because of union with the subject, is the culminating point of the process, described so far. Hence it is spoken of as the fruit of the cognitive activity. It is called Jnana.

Union of reflections of the subject and the object, when used for practical purposes by Ahankara through giving rise to the consciousness "I know this", which refers the object to the subject without recognising the difference between the subject and its reflection, is called Bhoga. Because it involves union of the two reflections in the common ground of the Buddhi and also because the consciousness, that has been aroused by Ahankāra, has the common substratum with the reflection of the Purusa.

1. I.P.V.V., Vol. I., 155.