________________
Verse 3
(paroksa) and reveals the true nature of Reality.
Other source of valid-knowledge is inference (anumāna) wherein knowledge is obtained of the sadhya (major term) - that which is to be proved - through the use of the sadhana (middle term) - statement of reason.
The minor term, locus or abode (pakṣa) is that with which the reason or the middle term (hetu) is connected, and whose connection with the major term (sadhya) is to be proved. The minor term (pakṣa) is related to the major term (sādhya) through their common relation to the middle term (hetu). In a proposition (pratijñā) the subject is the minor term (pakṣa), and the predicate the major term (sādhya or lingi).
In an inference for the sake of others, the minor term (pakṣa), etc., must be explicitly set forth. Following is an inference for the sake of others:
1. This hill (minor term) is full of fire (major term). - pratijñā: proposition; statement of that which is to be proved.
2. Because it is full of smoke (middle term). - hetu : statement of reason.
3. Whatever is full of smoke is full of fire, as a kitchen. - dṛṣṭānta or udāharaṇa: statement of a general rule supported by an example.
4. So is this hill full of smoke. upanaya: application of the rule to this case.
5. Therefore the hill is full of fire. nigamana : conclusion.
The hetu or the reason consists in the statement of the mark or the sign (linga) which being present in the subject or the minor term (pakṣa) suggests that the latter possesses a certain property predicated of it. It is the assertion of the middle term (hetu) by which the relation or not of the minor term (pakṣa) to the major
......
11
