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1054
TATTVASANGRAHA : CHAPTER XXIV.
TEXT (2239).
" WITHOUT KNOWING WITH CERTAINTY (WHAT WORD EXPRESSES WHAT) HOW COULD THE USER MAKE UP HIS MIND AT THE OUTSET AS TO WHICH WORD HE SHOULD USE? IF, ON THE OTHER HAND, HE DOES KNOW IT, THEN IT MUST HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HIM FROM BEFORE.” - [Shlokavārtika-ETERNALITY OF Words,
247-248].—(2239)
COMMENTARY
The first objection applies to the view that the user does not definitely know (the Word as having a definite meaning). Under the other view, that he does know it at the time of using it,-it necessarily follows that the Word must have been known to him from before (as expressive of that meaning) which establishes its permanence. This is what is meant by the words
If, on the other hand, etc. etc. (2239)
Says the Opponent-The light of the lamp, even when newly lit, illumines the object; similarly the Word also would express its meaning (when heard and used for the first time).
The Mimamsaka's answer to this is as follows:
TEXT (2240).
“LIGHT IS AUXILIARY TO THE PERCEPTION ; HENCE, EVEN WHEN NEWLY LIT, IT ILLUMINES THINGS; (NOT SO THE WORD)--[IF IT BE URGED THAT) IN THE CASE OF THE WORD THE COMPREHENSION OF THE MEANING OF A CERTAIN WORD IS DUE TO ITS SIMILARITY TO ANOTHER WELL-KNOWN WORD THEN THE ANSWER IS THAT SO LONG AS THE SIMILARITY IS NOT RECOGNISED, THE WORD CANNOT BE EXPRESSIVE (OF THAT MEANING)".-[ShlokavārtikaETERNALITY OF WORDS, 248-249).
-(2240)
COMMENTARY
Light is auxiliary to the Perception' i.e. it is an appurtenance of the Perception; as a matter of fact, it becomes an auxiliary to Perceptional
