Nyayasara of Bhasarvajna (An Old and Rare Book)

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Dr. T. K. Narayan obtained his 2. A. (Sanskrit) and M.A. (Sanskrit) degrees from the University of Kerala with distinction. The University of Kerala conferred on him the Ph.D. degree in 1981. Later he worked as Lecturer in Government Brennen College, Tellicherry and in Christ College, Irinjalakuda In 1979 Dr. Narayanan joined the Department of Sanskrit, Calicut University as Lecture Presently he is working as Reader in Sanskrit in Calicut University.

Dr. Narayanan contributed learned papers to the Journal of the Oriental Institute, M.S Laiverity Baroda, Sri Venkaterwas University Onental Journal, Tirupati, Journal of Manuscript Studies, Kerala University etc.

Bhasarvajña, the celebrated author of Nyayasara was the foremost philosopher who successfully attempted to reconstruct Brahmanic logic on the plan of Buddhist logic. He appeared on the scene when both Brahmanism and Buddhism flourished side by side in Kashmir and was best suited to effect the reconciliation to the benefit of Brahmanic logic. Before his advent many writers crossed over to the fold of Buddhism and Jainism attracted by the superior logical tenets. The Buddhists built up a long tradition and achieved a great triumph over the orthodox Brahmanic writers. It was in this momentous situation that a new class of writers, generally known as Neo-Brahmanic writers emerged. They applied themselves to the task of reviving the teachings of the orthodox Hindu logic. Many a subject that received a detailed treatment in older texts was thrown away unceremoniously or modified to suit the contemporary trends of thinking.

In this renaissance Bhasarvajña played a significant role. The fact that he succeeded to a large extent is evident from the number of commentaries on his manual. A detailed study of his Nyayasara is a most rewarding experience to a student of logic.

The present volume divided into nine chapters is a modest attempt to assess the contribution of Bhasarvajña to Indian thought, especially to the Nyaya system. The introductory chapter sketches the background against which he made his appearance while in the second, his date, identity and works are briefly dealt with. The third chapter is a survey of the commentaries on Nyayasara. The fourth, contains an analysis of his manual while in the next his contribution to Nyaya philosophy is discussed. The next two chapters-the sixth and the seventh-are set apart to point out his relations with other philosophical schools like Samkhya, Yoga, Buddhism and Jainism. The penultimate chapter evaluates his impact on later philosophical writers. Finally it is concluded that Bhasarvajña was the foremost Hindu logician whose contribution had a lasting effect providing the basis for the emergence of the Navya- nyaya system.

**Contents and Sample Pages**