Also known as: Nyaya Shastra
Overview
Nyaya is one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy, focusing on logic and epistemology. It teaches the means of valid knowledge and emphasizes logical reasoning to discern the truth, ultimately leading to liberation (moksha). Nyaya is central to Indian philosophy, especially in its rigorous analysis of perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony as the valid means of acquiring knowledge. It also influences other schools of thought such as Vaisheshika and Mimamsa.
Author(s)
Akṣapada Gautama
Authorship Date / Period
Between 6th century BCE and 2nd century CE
Language
Sanskrit
Tradition
Nyaya Darshana
Text Type
Sutras (aphorisms)
Number of Sutras
528
Central Theme
The ultimate goal of Nyaya philosophy is to achieve liberation (moksha) through correct reasoning and the acquisition of valid knowledge, thereby dispelling ignorance and understanding the true nature of the self and the universe.
Structure
The Nyaya Sutras contain 528 aphoristic sutras, divided into five books, with two chapters in each book.
Key Aspects
- Pramana (Means of Knowledge): Pramana refers to the valid means of acquiring knowledge, which include perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana), comparison (Upamana), and verbal testimony (Shabda).
- Pratyaksha (Perception): Pratyaksha is knowledge gained through the senses, directly observing the external world.
- Anumana (Inference): Anumana is knowledge acquired through reasoning and logical deduction, based on observed premises.
- Upamana (Comparison): Upamana refers to knowledge acquired through analogy or comparison.
- Shabda (Verbal Testimony): Shabda is knowledge derived from verbal testimony, particularly from reliable sources like trusted individuals or scriptures.
- Causality: The principle of causality explains how actions and events are interconnected and lead to specific outcomes.
Example Sutras
Sanskrit:
Atha athato brahmajijñasa
Translation:
Now, the inquiry into Brahman (the ultimate reality).
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra introduces the objective of Nyaya philosophy: the quest for ultimate truth (Brahman) through the application of logical analysis and reasoning.
Sanskrit:
Tarka-pramana-darshanam
Translation:
Logic and reasoning are valid means of knowledge.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra emphasizes the importance of tarka (logical reasoning) and pramana (valid means of knowledge) in acquiring knowledge and discerning the truth.
Sanskrit:
Pramana-eka-nishtha
Translation:
The means of knowledge are only valid when they are in accordance with truth.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra establishes that valid knowledge arises only when the means of knowledge align with the ultimate truth. The validity of knowledge depends on whether the methods used are correct and trustworthy.
Sanskrit:
Anumana-pramana-arthanubhava
Translation:
Inference is a valid means of knowledge based on observation and reasoning.
Commentary Insight:
Anumana (inference) is one of the four primary means of valid knowledge in Nyaya. It is the process of arriving at knowledge through reasoning from observed facts or premises.
Sanskrit:
Pratyaksha-pramana-darshanam
Translation:
Perception is a valid means of knowledge.
Commentary Insight:
Pratyaksha (perception) is the direct knowledge gained through the senses, which is one of the primary means of acquiring valid knowledge.
Sanskrit:
Upamana-pramana-sambhava
Translation:
Comparison is a valid means of knowledge.
Commentary Insight:
Upamana (comparison) is the process of gaining knowledge through analogies or similarities between objects. By comparing the known with the unknown, we can infer properties about the latter.
Sanskrit:
Shabda-pramana-sabda-samvadi
Translation:
Verbal testimony (Shabda) is a valid means of knowledge when it is reliable.
Commentary Insight:
Shabda (verbal testimony) is considered a valid means of knowledge when it is from a reliable source, such as a trustworthy person or scripture.
Sanskrit:
Sakshi-pramana-rupa-prakasha
Translation:
Direct perception and witness testimony are forms of valid knowledge.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra points out that knowledge gained directly through witness testimony and sensory perception is valid if it is clear and unambiguous.
Sanskrit:
Chandogya-pramana-jnana-vishaya
Translation:
Scriptural knowledge (Chandogya) is a valid source of knowledge on metaphysical subjects.
Commentary Insight:
Scriptures such as the Upanishads (Chandogya) are considered valid sources of knowledge when it comes to understanding the metaphysical nature of reality.
Sanskrit:
Pravritti-prakara-samvadi
Translation:
Action and causality are explained through the interaction of various elements.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra deals with the relationship between actions and their effects, and how the principles of causality explain the functioning of the universe.