________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
266
Ātman and Moksa
as the atoms instead of only one principle. These systems are known as “Pluralistic Realism".
The Nyāya system is essentially known not for its metaphysics as for the elaborate science of knowledge that it has developed. It has made a very important contribution to the science of correct reasoning. It is known as the science of Tarka or reasoned argument, as it has discovered the laws of correct and valid thinking. The Nyāya system means Logic which is the prerequisite of all philosophical thinking. The purpose of knowledge is attainment of liberation from all the pains and sufferings of life. The Naiyāyikas hold that unless the nature of pain and its root cause are properly apprehended, it is not possible to free ourselves from the pain and sufferings of life, for ever. The aim of knowing is thus the attainment of knowledge, which is instrumental to the attainment of liberation. The purpose (prayojana) of knowledge is attainment of liberation known technically as the Apavarga in the Nyāya and Niss'reyas in the Vais'eșika systems. It is said in the Sarvadars' anasangraha - "Liberation or Niss'rayas is attained by philosophical knowledge..."! It is said by Gotama in his Nyāya Sūtras ---"The soul, body, senses, objects of sense, intellect, mind, activity, fault, transmigration, fruit, pain and release --are the objects of knowledge."2 Thus misapprehension of these objects i.e. the soul, body, senses,
1 Sarvadars'anasangraha, p. 245.
2 Vidyabhushana S. S. (Tr.) : The Nyāya Sūtras of Gotama 1.1.5. p. 5. (The Sacred Books of the Hindus Series. Vol. III.)
For Private And Personal
