________________
14. - PRAMĀNA :
A Study
PRAMĀŅA IN THE AGAMIC LITERAUTURE HER
In the agamic literature, we get elaborate discussion of pramāna (valid source of knowledge). A good deal of discussion has been carried out on regarding the nature and types of pramāņa.
In the Bhagavatī sūtral there is a dialogue between Gautama Gapadhara and Bhagavāna Mahāvīra. Gautama asked Mahāvira, :Bhagavan ! in the case of the kevalin who is to relinquish the body for the last time, his cognition and intuition are perfect. Similarly, can we say how a chadmastha, gets knowledge ? Mahāvīra said, in the case of the chadmasth1, knowledge is not spontaneous, it is through the valid sources of knowledge like śravaņa (bearing) and other pramāņas. On this, Gautama asked a question on the basis of hearing? Mahāvīra replied, from the point of view of kevalin.........
Gautama again asked by what pramāna does the chadmastha get knowledge ? Mahāvīra replied, knowledge is possible through four pramāņas : pratyakşa, anumāna, upamāna and agama. The description of the four pramānas has been given in the Anuyogadvāra.
In the Sthānānga, the term pramāna, and hetu has been used. From the point of view of niksepa pramāna has been distinguished into : dravya pramāna, kşetra pramāna, kāla pramāna and bhāva pramāna.
In the Sthānānga where the word hetu is used the four-fold
1 2
Bhagavatt sūtra 5, 3, 191, 192. Sthānāága 321.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
