Milinda’s Questions

Examination Chapter

10. Distinguishing Characteristic of Perception Question

“Venerable Nāgasena, what is the distinguishing characteristic of perception?”

“Perceiving, your majesty, is the distinguishing characteristic of perception.

What does one perceive?

One perceives blue, yellow, red, white, and crimson.

Thus, your majesty, perceiving is the distinguishing characteristic of perception.”

“Please give me an analogy.”

“Just as, your majesty, a king’s storekeeper, having entered the warehouse and seen the forms of the king’s goods there, perceives blue, yellow, red, white, and crimson.

Thus, your majesty, perceiving is the distinguishing characteristic of perception.”

“You are clever, Venerable Nāgasena!”

Distinguishing Characteristic of Perception Question tenth