New Dimensions in Jaina Logic

Author(s): Mahaprajna Acharya, Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Today and Tommorrow Printers and Publishers

Page 133

Inference 125
Conclusion (nigamana) means the repetition of the thesis (that was to be proved qua a proved fact), for instance, and therefore the mountain is fiery.'
In the Nyaya school generally five limbs are recognised. According to them an inference consisting of the use of the limbs is called a five-limbed proposition, a syllogism (mahāväkya) or logical demonstration (nyayaprayoga).
Dialogues:
Question 1. What importance is attached to 'number' in the exposition of ontological and ethical problems and the doctrine of karma in Jainism?
Answer. The Jaina philosophy is looked at by some thinkers as a great system based on 'numbers'. This is in some sense true, because the metaphysical speculations of the Jainas make use of 'number' in a good number of instances. For instance, the agamic literature itself is divided under four sections
1. Dravyanuyoga-Ontology or disquisition on the nature of
2. Caraṇānuyoga-Ethics or disquisition on moral conduct and the doctrine of karma.
substance.
3. Dharmakathānuyoga-Didactic narratives-parables, allegories, myths, fables, epilogues etc.
4. Ganitanuyoga-Positive Sciences-Mathematics, Astronomy, Biology and other sciences.
It is not possible to precisely separate sections of the scripture into these subjects which can, however, be clearly distinguished. Sometimes entire texts are found devoted to one or the other of the subjects and sometimes more than one subject are dealt with jointly. For instance, Mathematics has been requisitioned on many occasions in works on ontology and the doctrine of karma.
The investigation of the seven or nine categories like soul, nonsoul, asrava etc. have been exposed under fourteen heads," viz.
1. Nirdesa-Nomenclature and definition of the nature.
2. Svāmitva-Ownership.
3. Sadhana-Cause of origin.