BUDDHIST EPISTEMOLOGY

By S.R. Bhatt and Anu Mehrotra

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 (s m nyalaksana). Unique particular is discrete and instantaneous being. It is unique particular in the sense that it is neither identical nor similar to other unique particulars. It is the only objective real (paramartha sag. As distinct from 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 intersubjective 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).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8196213778
• ISBN13: 9788196213770
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Jainendra Prakash Jain
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.0"