Indian Logic: Means of Knowledge | Logical Reasoning for UGC NET PDF Download

Indian Logic: A Path to Understanding Knowledge

Epistemology, the study of knowledge in Indian Logic, stands as a pivotal facet of Indian Philosophy. It serves as both a means of liberation and the ultimate pursuit of spiritual emancipation, known as moksha. Within this framework, knowledge is delineated as apprehension or consciousness.
In the vast landscape of Indian philosophical thought, various schools emerged over time, each stemming from different interpretations of the Vedas. These schools, categorized based on their acceptance or rejection of the Vedas, are referred to as Astik (Orthodox) and Nastik (Heterodox).
The Vedas, among the earliest literary evidences of Indian culture, exerted profound influence over Indian thought and philosophy, shaping perspectives positively or adversely.
Indian epistemology is bifurcated into two principal streams: Nyaya philosophy and Mimamsa Philosophy.

Indian Logic Means of Knowledge

Astik

The term itself, meaning "knowing that which exists," signifies a school of thought that acknowledges the Vedas as a reliable source of knowledge. The Astik branch further subdivides into distinct sub-parts, each with its unique perspective.

Nyaya (attributed to Sage Gautama)

•  This branch, focusing on rules and judgment, embodies the pragmatic essence of philosophy by delving into logic. Nyaya posits God as the ultimate creator, sustainer, and destroyer of existence, delineating reality into three qualities: Sattva (goodness/light), Rajas (passion/energy), and Tamas (darkness/ignorance). Nyaya Sutras enumerate four avenues to valid knowledge: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (verbal testimony).

Vaisesika (attributed to Sage Kanada)

• Advocating practicality, Vaisesika philosophers postulate that all entities in the universe are composed of a finite number of atoms. They uphold the belief in five fundamental elements: fire, earth, water, air, and ether, aligning closely with Nyaya's views on God and soul liberation.

Sankhya (attributed to Sage Kapila)

• This branch espouses dual realism, positing Purusa (self or soul) and Prakrti (matter or creative agency) as independent entities. Prakrti is further delineated into three constituents or gunas: Sattva (calmness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).

Yoga (attributed to Patanjali)

• Yoga embodies the fusion of meditation and physical practices to attain salvation. While not contingent upon belief in a divine entity, Yoga regards God as a guiding force. Emphasizing concentration and meditation, it prescribes a progressive path towards salvation through various stages, from self-control (Yama) to complete absorption (Samadhi).

Purva-Mimansa/Mimansa (attributed to Jaimini)

• Signifying inquiry or reasoning, this branch delves into the investigation of Vedic texts. Uttar Mimansa, also known as Vedanta, aims at salvation through virtuous deeds, heralding the culmination of the cycle of birth and death.

Uttara Mimansa/Vedanta (attributed to Badarayana/Maharishi Vyasa)

• Maharishi Vyasa expounds Vedanta, denoting the culmination of Vedic wisdom found in the Upanishads. Vedanta asserts Brahman as the sole reality, rendering everything else illusory (maya). It underscores the eternity of the soul and the concept of karma.

Nastik

In contrast to Astik, Nastik schools reject the authority of the Vedas as sources of knowledge. These schools encompass various philosophical traditions.

Buddhism (Founded by Gautam Buddha)

Buddhism is a religion, a way of practicing Dharma, and a way of leading life. Buddha rejected the Vedas as authoritative texts and was against the discriminatory caste system in society. He criticized the Brahmanical traditions. Although Buddhism doesn’t recognize the existence of a god or a soul, what it believes is in the cycle of reincarnation and Nirvana. 

Buddha preached a life of purity, honesty, equality, and non-violence. Buddhism was the most influential religion in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries and continues to influence many people worldwide today. According to it, 4 Noble truths should be realized to attain liberation. 

• First, there is suffering in every human’s life, and it takes the form of suffering, pain and death. 
• Second, the main cause of suffering is desire. 
• Third, a man should completely destroy his desires, love and passion towards everything, resulting in complete peace and Nirvana. 
• Fourth, people should disconnect from constant suffering and move towards attaining Nirvana.

The path to liberation consists of 8 steps (the 8-fold path), as mentioned below.

• Right vision- to ensure vision free of ignorance.
• Right resolve- to follow this path, one must be courageous enough to destroy all their desires.
• Right conduct- one must not be involved in any kind of activity that causes harm to anyone, and also, one must be free from any worldly desires.
• Right speech- one must not utter words in criticism of anyone and should have right speech.
• Rights ways of earning a living- an individual should avoid all unfair means that cause harm to anyone.
• Right effort- anything and everything that diverts one’s attention from the attainment of salvation must be avoided.
• Right mindfulness- it is very important to keep mind, body, and health in good working conditions and free from negativity.
• Right concentration- if anyone follows the above-mentioned seven-fold path must be to concentrate correctly and attain salvation.

Jainism (Founded by Vardhaman Mahavira)

The core of Jainism is usually attributed to Vardhaman Mahavira, though the Jains believe their religion to be eternal, being guided by a Tirthankara in every age, the first of whom was Rishabhanatha and the last being Mahavira. Jainism is built on four pillars such as- ahimsa (“non-violence”), anekantavada (“many-sidedness”), aparigraha (“non-attachment”), and asceticism. Jainism’s teaching is that the path to enlightenment is through non-violence and reducing harm to living beings, i.e., all plants and animals, as much as possible.

Charvaka/Lokayata (Founded by Brihaspati)

Brihaspati laid the foundation of Charvaka, which was developed keeping in mind the common people, and so it is also called Lokayata. It is a philosophy of Indian materialists who do not consider the fact of an afterworld, Karma, liberation, the authority of Vedas, and eternity of self. Charvaka considered only direct perception (anubhava) for attaining knowledge (pramana).

Ajivika: 

• A loosely organized group contemporaneous with Buddhism and Jainism, Ajivikas abstain from belief in karma or free will, focusing on ascetic practices.

Ajnana:

• Representing a school of skepticism, Ajnana underscores ignorance as an inherent aspect of existence, hindering the pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Conclusion

Indian logic, deeply embedded in our cultural and literary heritage, offers profound insights into various aspects of life and thought. Understanding Indian Logic not only enriches our comprehension but also provides valuable tools for navigating life's complexities. The diverse branches of Indian philosophy offer paths to existential inquiry and spiritual realization, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding.