The present work is an analytical exposition of the theory of knowledge as propounded in the Dinnaga-Dharmakirti tradition. It expounds the Buddhist theory of knowledge in its totality, comparing it with other schools wherever necessary.
Buddhist thinkers unanimously uphold the view that there are two kinds of objects of knowledge, namely, the unique particular (svalaksana)and the generalized image (Samanyalaksana). Unique particular is discrete and instantaneous being. It is unique particular in the sense that it is neither identical nor similar to other unique particular there are objects that are constructs of our intellect and that are in the form of generalized images. They are subjective in origin but inter subjective in nature.
To make the logical issues more intelligible to readers, a basic text, "Nyaya Pravesa" is given as an appendix of the work. The text of "Nyaya Pravesa" is generally ascribed to Dinnaga, a pioneer thinker in Buddhist theory of knowledge. For centuries it has been studied as a manual of the Buddhist theory of knowledge in India, Tibet, China and other countries. It provides a foundation to the famous Buddhist art of debate (vada-vidhi). |
