An epistemological study of sabda pramaand#7751;a with special reference to purva mimaand#7747;sa and nyaya schools of thought

Abstract

Indian philosophy has always been at the epitome of intellectual pursuit and excellence. The epistemological pursuits only add to its finesse and creativity as while considering the means of gaining knowledge that is not only information but something that liberates and is akin to Dharma in its true sense. The present work aims at the in depth study of one of these methods of epistemology called the and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a. Though at the outset it may look simple, and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a is as intricate as any means of gaining knowledge may be. It has its variations and its own pitfalls where what may seem authentic could be false knowledge. Another aspect that signifies the study of and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a is that the majority of information is exchanged in the form of and#346;abdas or words and therefore a study of the ancient science of validation of this means of knowledge becomes pertinent. newline newlineThe work focuses on the emancipation of the viewpoints of those schools of Indian philosophy that consider and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a as an independent source of valid knowledge and those that do not. For the schools that do consider, the Nyand#257;ya and Pand#363;rva Mand#299;mand#257;and#7747;sand#257; schools newlinehave been considered while for those schools that do not consider it to be an independent source of valid knowledge, the Buddhist and Vaiand#347;eand#7779;ika schools have been considered. The argumentation presented is purely logical and based on reason. This work is an attempt to research into the realities of and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a and bring about, through the great argumentative ability of our ancient philosophers, the revival and enrichment of this all pervading means of knowledge. It is my hope and endeavor that this work attracts the reader with the rich intellectual heritage that has been presented and the logical tenacity of the argument makers that bring out the true essence by removing the falsity around the shroud of and#346;abda and breaking the dogma around the assumed fallibility of the and#346;abda Pramand#257;and#7751;a. newline newline