Question

The knowledge of snake in the rope is called:

• A. Pramāna
• B. Viparyaya
• C. Vikalpa
• D. Smriti

Hint:

Remember: \[ \text{Rope mistaken as Snake} \rightarrow \text{Viparyaya} \] which means: \[ \text{False or mistaken knowledge} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: In Yoga philosophy, especially in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, different mental modifications (Chitta Vrittis) are explained. These mental states determine how the mind perceives reality. The five Chitta Vrittis are:
• Pramāṇa (Right knowledge)
• Viparyaya (Wrong knowledge or misconception)
• Vikalpa (Imagination)
• Nidra (Sleep)
• Smriti (Memory) The classic example of mistaking a rope for a snake is used to explain false or incorrect knowledge.

Step 1: Understand the rope-snake illusion.
When a person sees a rope in dim light but mistakenly thinks it is a snake, the perception is incorrect. This false cognition is called: \[ \text{Viparyaya} \] According to Yoga philosophy: \[ \text{Viparyaya} = \text{False knowledge not based on reality} \]

Step 2: Analyze the given options.
Option (A): Pramāna
Pramāna means valid or correct knowledge obtained through proper means. Option (B): Viparyaya
Viparyaya means misconception or wrong knowledge, such as mistaking a rope for a snake. Option (C): Vikalpa
Vikalpa refers to imagination created through words without actual objects. Option (D): Smriti
Smriti means memory or recollection of past experiences.

Step 3: Identify the correct option.
Since perceiving a snake in a rope is an example of false knowledge, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Viparyaya}} \]