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SOME POSITIVE JAINA ARGUMENTS..
NTS..
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It may be said here that astronomy is a mathematical science based on strict methods of calculation and observation of physical phenomena. It is an empirical science, although it indicates certain things about future events, it does not mean the existence of an omniscient being.
(E) Argumeru based on the Absolute Non-existence of any
Obstructive Pramānas 169 This argument has also been given by Akalanka. It points to the lack of evidences to contrary. We have earlier discussed elaborately that none of the six pramanas prove the nonexistence of the omniscient person, hence there is no contradictory proof against the existence of the omniscient person.170 Perception cannot do it since it can prove only existence This was also admitted by Kurnārila. Inference can also not prove the non-existence of the omniscient being because there can be no inference without a middle term, as has already been shown. Scripture, postulation, analogy and non-apprehension also fail here due to variety of reasons.
This argument is not a new argument as it is only a collection of the arguments based on the six pramāņas. But we can appreciate the additional force contained in it since it refers to all the six pramānus, in a collective way. It should also be noted that it is after all a negative argument171 as it only shows ihat there is no disproof, but it does not say any. thing positive. Therefore, it cannot be considered decisive.
169 Akalaika, Nyāya-viniscaya, 414; Siddhi-viniscaya, VIII. 6; Hema
candra, Ibid.; Vidyananda, Apta-pariksä, 93; Säntarakṣita, Ibid.,
3268-3269. 170 Vidyananda, Asta-sahasrī, pp. 44-76, Apta-parīkņā, 206-240; Ananta
kirti, Ibid., V. R. Sūri, Ibid., pp. 566-85; Prabhācandra, Prame ya
kamala-martanda, pp. 247-256; Nyāya-kumudacandra, Vol. I. pp. 86.97. 171 In formulating this argument, I think, Akalanka might have in his
mind the formidable objection raised by Kumārila that the existence of omniscient being cannot be established on the basis of any of the six pramanas. Therefore, Kumärila says quite confidently that if it
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