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TATTVASANGRAHA : CHAPTER XXIV.
it would not express the meaning that is desired ; as there would be nothing to restrict it. On the other hand, if the Veda expressed its meaning indepen. dently of the Conventions, then it would be possible for it to be valid and reliable ; because regardless of the explanations propounded by men, it would directly express its meaning; even though it might be explained otherwise by men, it would never abandon the function of expressing its own meaning by itself, exactly as the eye and other organs do not abandon their inherent function of apprehending things. This is the sense of the whole argument.
• Ākhyāyamana'-Being explained.
Aram'-Quickly; at once. "Wrong '-.e the whims of men may be wrong.-(2394-2397)
It may be that, on account of the Veda not being the work of an author, its connection with its meaning is inherent; even so, however, what is desired by the Mimämsaka is not proved; as the Reason adduced remains "Inconclusive'
This is the view expounded in the following:
TEXTS (2398-2399).
IT IS SAID THAT THE VEDA, NOT BEING THE WORK OF AN AUTHOR, HAS THE INHERENT CAPACITY OF ASSERTING WHAT IS TRUE BUT WHY CANNOT IT BE SUSPECTED THAT WHAT IT SAYS IS NOT TRUE? JUST AS ITS TRUTHFULNESS IS DEDUCED FROM THE FACT THAT BY ITSELE, IT BRINGS ABOUT THE COGNITION OF WHAT IS TRUE, IN THE SAME MANNER IT MIGHT BE SUSPECTED THAT BY ITSELF IT BRINGS ABOUT THE COGNITION OF WHAT IS NOT
TRUE.—(2398-2399)
COMMENTARY.
Prakrtam'--pertaining to its nature ; inherent.--(2398-2399)
The following text proceeds to urge that the reason for the validity and reliability of the Veda may be held to lie in the fact of its being the work of & reliable person ; why rely upon its not being the work of anyone, which only shows your stupidity ?