Inquiries into DharmakÄ«rti’s Valid Reasons—From the View of NyÄyabindu

Abstract

In NyÄyabindu, written by DharmakÄ«rti, the inference for oneself (svarthaanumÄna) is the proper knowledge of objects through three kinds of valid reasons, which are Negation (anupalabdhihetu), Identity (svabhÄvahetu) and Causation (kÄryatetu). Such points of view are a development of former theories. In the contemporary studies of DharmakÄ«rti’s theory, some scholars propose to amend the “three varieties of the three-aspected mark†to the “four varieties of the three-aspected markâ€. This paper is aimed at refuting this amendment. The Negation in DharmakÄ«rti’s theory cannot be cancelled for it is not only the key to establish the negative judgment, but also an important thinking mode of Apoha. Moreover, the perception is the basis of DharmakÄ«rti’s thought, which is emphasized in the premise of Negation.