Jain Journal 2007 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 29

JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.2 OCTOBER 2007
1.0 Nyāya, its meaning, synonyms and definition
Basically Nyāva is a word derived from the Sanskrit language. Nyāya in Sanskrit means, “A system by which we can know properly and thoroughly the exact nature of a substance"
The synonyms of Nyāva in Sanskrit are :
Anvīksā Yukti Pariksā Samiksā
Observation Logic Examination Constructive criticism
And many more similar words are used to represent Nyāya.
Thus Nyāya is metaphysics of reality (Tattvasāstra) as well as a theory of knowledge. It is not merely formal logic but a full epistemology, combining discussion of psychology and logic, metaphysics and theology.
1.1 Significance of Nyāya
We cannot know thoroughly and properly the nature of an object (substance) just by blind faith or faith only. But we can do so by Nyāya, logic and examination. In this manner, Nyāya is not only a science but a scientific method of enquiring the true nature of an object which avoids insistence/dominance of one's view point and provides the true nature of the object.
2.0 Nyāya in Jain Philosophy "pramānanavātmako nyāyah" Nyāyadīpikā (14th cen.A.D.)
As per Jain Philosophy, Nyāva is a combination of pramāņa and naya because both these (i.e. pramāņa and naya) are the only two organs by which truth about an object can be examined and known.
ere is no other way of doing so except these. That is why, the entire literature of Jain philosophy deals with pramāņa and naya in depth and with clear perspective. A person who becomes an expert of