Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 1

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 22

NYA YĂ VA TĀRA
The first kärika of our text, along with the prefatory proposition, runs as follows:
Text
pramāpavyutpädanartham idarnāra bhyate
pramăpam svaparābhāsi jñānam badhavivarjitam/ pratyakşam ca parokşam ca dvidhā, meyaviniscayát 1
Translation
“This (the following) is propounded with a view to the elucidation of pramāna (valid cognition). A valid cognition is a cognition which illumines itself and an other object, provided) it is immune from contradiction. It falls under two heads namely, perceptual and extraperceptual, in pursuance of the way in which cognizables are determined (by the knowing subject),” ... (I)
Elucidation
Each assertion has a deep significance 'A cognition illumines itself and also an other is a proposition which though not an exclusive character of valid cognition has been stated with a view to rebutting the different theories of rival schools. Hemacandra takes exception to the inclusion of the adjectival determination ‘self-illuminative', as it is common to invalid cognition also. He is of the opinion that the element which is the exclusive property of the defined object should alone be stated in the definition, the sole purpose of which is to set forth the defined object with its distinctive individuality and as such to distinguish it, (that is, the defined obiect) from similar and dissimilar things. The ancient doctors have stated this characteristic for critical appraisal. This objection of Hemacandra is justifiable on the assumption that the purpose of definition is to set forth an object with its distinctive character so that it may not be confused with others. A definition must possess three characteristics : (i) exemption from over-extension (ativyāpti); (2) exemption from the charge of inadequacy (that is to say, its failure to include everything that comes within its sweep, avyāpti); (3) exemption from the charge of absurdity (asambhava). A defining character must not be one which is not found in the object defined. The presence of any one of these defects makes the definition useless and ineffective.