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1302
TATIVASANGRAHA: CHAPTER XXV.
Indicated by the absence of defects '; -what is meant is that the function of the excellences free from defects consists only in the setting aside of the Defects, and not in creating validity.-(2889-2890)
Says the Opponent: If Validity is held to be due to the certainty of the absence of defects, then too, the Infinite Regress remains. The Author sets forth this view in the following:
TEXT (2891).
IF THE ABSENCE OF DEFECTS IN THE WORDS OF THE TRUSTWORTHY PERSON IS DEDUCED FROM HIS EXCELLENCES, THEN THERE IS THE SAME INFINITE REGRESS, FOR ONE WHO WOULD FOLLOW
UP THIS PRESENCE OF EXCELLENCES.(2801)
COMMENTARY.
According to the view detailed above, the absence of defects is to be deduced from the cognition of the excellences ;-the validity of this cogni. tion of excellences again is to be deduced from the absence of defects this absence of defects again is to be deduced from excellences; and so on and on; there would be the same Infinite Regress, which would obliterate all usages and distinctions.—(2891)
This is answered (by the Mimāmsaka) in the following:
TEXTS (2892-2893).
"THIS DOES NOT AFFECT US. THE COGNITION OF THE EXCELLENCES IS
NOT NEEDED AT THE TIME. IT IS NOT as cognised THAT THE EXCELLENCES ARE OPERATIVE IN THE MATTER ; BY THEIR SHEER PRESENCE THEY ARE COMPETENT TO SET ASIDE THE DEFECTS; AND WHILE THEY ARE THERE, THERE DOES NOT APPEAR ANY COGNITION OF THE
DEFECTS OF THE MAN."-(2892-2893)
COMMENTARY. While they are there';-ie. while the excellences are there.--(28922893)
Question - If the cognition of the defects of man does not appearwhat then?
Answer:
