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538
TATTVASANGRAHA: CHAPTER XVI.
the denotation of the word, then, this would be incompatible with your declaration that 'a word is said to denote something when it is found that it brings about, in its denotation, the exclusion of what is denoted by other words '; as the only meaning that this declaration could have (under the theory that Apoha is not denoted) would be that the non-denotative word denotes something-(which is absurd)".
The following Text proceeds to explain that this assertion has been made through ignorance of the meaning of the words (of the Teacher), and to show that there is no incongruity in those words -
TEXT (1016).
WHEN THE WORD BRINGS ABOUT THE EXCLUSION OF OTHER THINGS, IT IS SAID TO 'denote ITS OWN MEANING'; AND THERE IS NO
INCONGRUITY IN THIS.-(1016)
COMMENTARY
The Specific Individuality also is the word's own meaning ', by implication,-as explained before and when in its own meaning in the shape of the Specific Individuality, the Word brings about produces the ex. elusion of other things '-i.e. the Apoha in the form of Reflection, as excluded (distinguished) from other Reflections, then it is said to denote' it. And there is nothing incongruous in the words of our Teacher.--(1016)
The following Texts explain this same declaration of Dirnāga's :
TEXTS (1017-1018).
The WORD IS SAID TO DENOTE BECAUSE IT PRODUCES A REFLECTION OF THE CONCEPTION OF THE EXTERNAL THING; IT DOES NOT TOUCH THE EXCLUSIVE FACTOR IN THE SHAPE OF THE SPECIFIO INDIVIDUALITY; APART FROM THE SAID PRODUCTION OF THE REFLECTION, THERE IS NO OTHER DENOTATIVE
FUNCTION OF THE WORD.--(1017-1018)
COMMENTARY.
What the revered Teacher means is as follows :-Of the word, there is no function of denoting external things, other than the producing of the Reflection of the Conception apprehending those things; because all entities are devoid of activity. Hence when the word produces the Reflection of the conception tending to the apprehension of the external thing, it is said that it denotes its meaning It does not touch the exclusive factor, in the shape of Specifie Individuality as excluded (distinguished) from like and unlike things, as this would serve no useful purpose.
