Nyaya Theory of Knowledge

SR No.: 011115
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S C Chateerjee
Publisher: University of Calcutta
Publication Year: 1939
Total Pages: 440
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 38 MB

Page 204

ORDINARY PERCEPTION AND ITS OBJECTS
185
or aspects rest on those of other smaller parts or finer aspects. In this way we are led to the ultimate differences of the simple substances, beyond which we cannot go. The ultimate differences are due to certain unique characters which distinguish one thing from all other things of the world. Particularity is such unique character of the simple and eternal substances. It is completely different from universals or the things coming under any universal. Hence by particularity we are to understand the unique individuality of spice, time, ākāśa, minds, souls, and the atoms of earth,. water, light and air. Particularity is thus eternal and subsists in the eternal substances (nityanityadravyavṛttih)2 There are innumerable particularities, since the individuals in which they subsist are innumerable. Other things are distinguished by their particularities, but the latter are distinguished by themselves (svata vyāvrttāḥ). Hence particularities are so many ultimates (antyah) in the analysis and explanation of things. There cannot be any perception of them, since they are supersensible entities (atīndriyāḥ). Some modern Naiyāyikas, however, do not admit that particularity is a distinct category. If the particularities can be distinguished by themselves, without having any distinguishing character in them, the eternal substances also may be distinguished by themselves without requiring any character like particularity (viseṣa).
eva
8
There are two main relations recognised in the NyāyaVaiseşi ka philosophy These are the relations of conjunction (samyoga), and inherence (samavāya). A relation is here conceived as a positive connection between two facts.
5
1 BP & SM, 10
2 TB, p 28, PS, p 168
3 T, pp 11, 88
4 Dinakari, 10
5 TB, p 2.
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