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I ADHYAYA, I PÂDA, 1.
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(which you assume to account for the silver perceived on the shell) becomes to us the object of the idea and word
silver,' and not of some other idea and term, e.g. of a jar 2- If you reply that this is due to its similarity to silver, we point out that in that case the idea and the word presenting themselves to our mind should be that of
something resembling silver.' Should you, on the other hand, say that we apprehend the thing as silver because it possesses the generic characteristics of silver, we ask whether these generic characteristics are real or unreal. The former alternative is impossible, because something real cannot belong to what is unreal; and the latter is impossible because something unreal cannot belong to what is real.
But we need not extend any further this refutation of an altogether ill-founded theory.
All knowledge is of the Real. 'Those who understand the Veda hold that all cognition has for its object what is real; for Sruti and Smriti alike teach that everything participates in the nature of everything else. In the scriptural account of creation preceded by intention on the part of the Creator it is said that each of these elements was made tripartite ; and this tripartite constitution of all things is apprehended by Perception as well. The red colour in burning fire comes from (primal elementary) fire, the white colour from water, the black colour from earth-in this way Scripture explains the threefold nature of burning fire. In the same way all things are composed of elements of all things. The Vishnu Purana, in its account of creation, makes a similar statement: “The elements possessing various powers and being unconnected could not, without combination, produce living beings, not having mingled in any way. Having combined, therefore, with one another, and entering into mutual associations-beginning with the principle called Mahat, and extending down to the gross elements --they formed an egg,” &c. (Vi. Pu. I, 2, 50 ; 52). This tripartiteness of the elements the Satrakâra also de
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