________________
96
TATTVASANGRAHA: CHAPTER II.
it is found that at the time of the appearance of one thing, the whole World is not produced,hence what has been stated by the Opponent) as a universal proposition is not found to be true.
This argument cannot be regarded as 'futile', because it has been shown that if God were the Cause of things, then it would be impossible to regard the Cause of things to be trammelled in any way.-(87)
argument canh lound to be trated by the Os, the whole Wor
The following Text sets forth another argument (against Theism) :
TEXTS (88-89).
THINGS THAT ARE BORN CONSECUTIVELY CANNOT HAVE GOD FOR THEIR CAUSE, JUST LIKE THE NOTIONS OF FOOLISH PERSONS ARISING
FROM THE SAID REASONINGS (OF THE THEST), -IE THOSE (NOTIONS) ALSO ARE PRODUCED BY GOD, THEN THE ADDUCING OF PROOTS (IN SUPPORT OF THEM) SHOULD BE USELESS, BECAUSE OF (Hrs) ETERNALITY; AND AS HE WOULD BE BEYOND REMEDY, THE SAID STATEMENT COULD RENDER NO
HELP.—(89)
COMMENTARY.
The notions i.e. the definite conclusions-derived from such reasonings as 'because characterised by a peculiar arrangement of component parts' and the rest,-relating to the object sought to be proved, - appearing in the minds of those foolish persons who are keen on proving God as the Cause of the World.
Objection-"As a matter of fact, the said reasons have all been shown to be invalid and beset with fallacies that have been pointed out; and hence no conclusive notions conld be derived from them, regarding what is desired to be proved; and under the circumstances, there could be no Corroborative Instance in support of the reasoning here set forth (by you)."
That is true; that is why the Text has used the term foolish persons': foolish people are not capable of discriminating the validity of Proofs, and hence they derive their notions from invalid premisses also.
"Even so, the Corroborative Instance would remain devoid of the Probandum; because the notions of foolish persons also are accepted by us as having God for their efficient Cause."
Answer-If these notions also, etc.-These notions,- i.e. the notions of foolish persons; if these also are held to be produced by God,-then the adducing of proofs should be useless; the putting forward of reasons would be entirely useless; i.e. because they would all be produced from God Himself.
"God would be the producer of the said notions, through the help of the statement of proofs, -and not by Himself alone; so that the said statement would not be useless."
