Nyaya Science of Thought

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

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the existence or non-existence of a thing from the knowledge of the relationship it bears to another thing, e.g., the inference of the existence of fire at the sight of smoke.
(5) Śruta jñâna which implies knowledge acquired by the interpretation of signs, symbols, words and the like. This form of knowledge depends on mati jñána for its data, or raw material, and differs from it in respect of its extent, for while mati jñana is confined to things existing within the range of senses in the present, the śruta may transcend these limits both in respect of Time and Space. Thus while an eclipse actually perceived with the senses is known by mati jñâna, the one now taking place in a far off country and the one which took place in the reign of Alexander the Great would be known by the śruta. The most important form of sruta jñâna is Agama, or the Scripture of Truth, i.e., tho word of a Tirthankara (God). It is also called śruti on the ground of its having been heard from another, and is admitted as a form of pramâna, because it is the most reliable form of testimony, being the word of an Omniscient Being who is completely devoid of all forms of attachment and aversion, and who has, therefore, absolutely no motive or reason for deceiving or misleading anyone. The word of all other persons is not śruta, but ku-śruta (false
NYAYA.