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Relativity and Absolutism
63
Predication). “Saptabhangi is defined as a statement in seven different ways—to be mentioned hereafter- of affirmation and negation, with the use of the word syāť, singly and jointly without inconsistency such as that arising from conflict with pratyakșa (perception), as the result of inquiry about each of the different predicates (dharma) of a thing such as sattva (existence) etc."?
Bhanga, in the term saptabhangī, does not mean “paralogism', which rendering was given by Cowell, but “turn” or varied form (of idea or expression). The seven predications may be stated as follows: (Please note that each statement in 'A' is to be read with its corresponding statement in 'B'). (A) i. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar exists.
ii. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar does not exist. iii. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar exists and from
another point of view, it does not exist. iv. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar is indescribable. v. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar both exists and
is indescribable. vi. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar both does not exist
and is indescribable. vii. From a certain point of view (syāt), the jar exists, does not
exist, and is also indescribable.
(B) i. With reference to itself.
ii. With reference to another. iii. With regard to the succession of reference to itself and ref
erence to another (=i+ii). iv. With regard to simultaneity of reference to itself and reference
to another. v. With regard to reference to itself and simultaneity of reference
to itself and reference to another (=i+iv). vi. With regard to reference to another, and simultaneity of
reference to itself and reference to another (=ii+iv).
7. Ibid. Notes, p.244.
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