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1376
TATTVASANGRAHA: CHAPTER XXV.
exist; because the non-existent is characterised by the absence of all capacity; so that, if it did function, it would cense to be non-eristent. In fact capacity for efficient activity is what constitutes the existence of things.
Thus there is no analogy between the examplo cited by the other party and the case it is meant to illustrate.-(3096)
It has been argued under Text 2912, thnt "The fnet of being cognised is of no use in the matter of the validity of Cognitions, ote, etc.".
The answer to this is as follows:
TEXT (3097). THUS THEN, THE FAOT or being cognised IS OF CREAT USE IN THE MATTER OF THE VALIDITY OF COGNITIONS ; BECAUSE THERE CAN BE NO APPREHENSION OF THINGS WHICH IS NOT ITSELF
COGNISED.—(3097)
COMMENTARY
Says the Opponent-"If the Cognition is cognised by its own Cognition, then ita validity is self-sufficient, inherent in itself".
This is what is anticipated and answered in the following:
TEXTS (3098-3099).
EVEN IN THE COGNITION OF ITSELF BY ITSELF, THERE IS THIS FACT THAT THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY REGARDING ITS VALIDITY, ON ACCOUNT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF CAUSES OF MISCONCEPTION BEING PRESENT. CONSEQUENTLY IT IS NOT ASCERTAINED THAT WHAT IS COGNISED IS A REAL ENTITY ; BECAUSE MERE APPREHENSION CAN ALSO BE DUE TO SIMILARITY, AND THERE IS ALWAYS THE POSSIBILITY OF THE
DMPOSITION (MISCONCEPTION) OF SOMETHING ELSE.—(3098-3099)
COMMENTARY.
Merely because the thing has been cognised is not enough to bring about perfect certainty relating to it; because certainty is dependent upon other causes; as has been explained in several places. Hence even when the Oognition is cognised by itself, its capacity to get at its objoct remains un. certain, because causes of misconception may be present, in the shape of simil. larity, absence of repeated experience and so forth, which bar the way to certainty. Specially because certainty of conviction is something different from mere apprehension. Thus it is for the excluding of misconception that extra. neous conditions are needed, in view of which the validity of Oognition is held
