Tattva Sangraha Vol 2

SR No.: 007609
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamlashila, Ganganatha Jha
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1939
Total Pages: 887
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 84 MB

Page 387

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TATTVASANGRAHA : CHAPTER XXIV.
TEXT (2380).
WHEN A BLIND MAN IS LED BY ANOTHER BLIND MAN, HE IS NOT SURE TO GET AT THE RIGHT PATH; HENCE THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BEGINNINGLESSNESS OF THE LINE (OF PUPILS AND
TEACHERS) IS ENTIRELY FUTILE.-(2380)
COMMENTARY.
This has been thus asserted in the Shabara-Bhasya (1. 1. 2)— In regard to such things as are beyond the senses, the words of men cannot be a reliable source of knowledge ; just as the words of persons born blind cannot be a reliable source of knowledge regarding shades of colour'-(Translation, page 5).
Hitherto objections against the Veda have been urged after having admitted (for the sake of argument) that the beginninglessness of the Veda is proved by the line of Pupils and Teachers':-Now it is going to be shown that this also is not so proved
TEXT (2381).
As A MATTER OF FACT, THERE IS NO MEANS OF KNOWING FOR CERTAIN THAT THIS THING (THE VEDA AND ITS MEANING) HAS NOT BEEN MADE (COMPOSED BY SUCH LATER BEINGS AS Manu,
Vyāsa AND OTHERS.-(2381)
COMMENTARY.
* No means of knowing, etc. etc.-;-because the matter is entirely imperceptible.
The following might be urged-"When we regard the Veda as valid and reliable, it is not because it is the source of true knowledge and hence not the work of any person ; we do so simply because the connection between words and their meanings is eternal and what they express is true. This could not be possible if the Veda were the work of a Person".
But this also is Inconclusive'; where is the ground for the hard and fast rule that what expresses the truth must not be the work of a Person ? -But granting that it is so even so the view is open to objections.
This is what is pointed out in the following: