The object is known or unknown according to whether it colors the mind or not.

Knowledge of an object depends on whether it achieves uparāga, tinging or coloring the mind. An object can exist without being known if it produces no impression on consciousness.

Apekṣitva indicates dependence or requirement. For knowledge to occur, the mind must be affected by the object. This requires attention, sensory contact, and absence of obstacles.

Innumerable objects exist around us that we don’t know because they haven’t colored our mind. Some because they’re outside our senses’ range, others because our attention is elsewhere.

This coloring process is bidirectional: the object offers its form, the mind receives and modifies it according to its own tendencies. The resulting knowledge is a synthesis of both.

For the yogī, understanding this mechanism allows working with attention consciously, choosing which objects color the mind and purifying the medium receiving impressions.