Sākṣī
साक्षीपुंल्लिङ्ग (masculine) · स अक्ष (sa-akṣa — with eyes) + इन् प्रत्यय — one who sees directly
sākṣī
Fundamental Concepts
The witness — consciousness that observes without being affected
Sākṣī is the witness-consciousness — that which observes all mental states (thoughts, emotions, perceptions) without being modified by them. It is not a separate 'observer' but the very nature of consciousness (ātman). Sākṣī is equally present in waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Recognizing oneself as sākṣī (and not as the observed body/mind) is the core of Vedāntic self-knowledge.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Sākṣī (साक्षी). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/sakshi
Vishva Vidya. "Sākṣī (साक्षी)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/sakshi.
Vishva Vidya. "Sākṣī (साक्षी)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/sakshi.
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