Question

Choose the appropriate statement regarding Buddhist Pramāṇa :
• [A.] Accepting two pramāṇas based on two knowledges (Prameyas)
• [B.] Accepting Svalakṣaṇa and Sāmānyalakṣaṇa
• [C.] Accepting four Pramāṇas beginning from Pratyakṣa
• [D.] Accepting Śabda as a different Pramāṇas
• [E.] Accepting Pramāṇa Samplava Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A and D only
• B. A and B only
• C. C and D only
• D. D and E only

Hint:

In Buddhist logic: \[ \text{Two Prameyas} \Rightarrow \text{Two Pramāṇas} \]
• Svalakṣaṇa $\rightarrow$ Pratyakṣa
• Sāmānyalakṣaṇa $\rightarrow$ Anumāna Everything else is reduced to these two categories.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Buddhist epistemology (Pramāṇavāda), especially as developed by Diṅnāga and Dharmakīrti, accepts only two valid means of knowledge (Pramāṇa) — Pratyakṣa (Perception) and Anumāna (Inference). This system is based on the doctrine that there are only two types of knowable objects (Prameyas):
• Svalakṣaṇa — Particulars or unique momentary realities.
• Sāmānyalakṣaṇa — Universals or conceptual constructions.

Step 1: Understanding Statement A. Statement A says that Buddhism accepts two Pramāṇas based on two kinds of knowables (Prameyas). This is absolutely correct. According to Buddhist logicians:
• Pratyakṣa apprehends Svalakṣaṇa.
• Anumāna apprehends Sāmānyalakṣaṇa. Thus, the division of objects directly determines the division of valid knowledge. Hence, Statement A is correct.

Step 2: Understanding Statement B. Statement B mentions:
• Svalakṣaṇa
• Sāmānyalakṣaṇa These are indeed the two fundamental categories accepted in Buddhist epistemology.
• Svalakṣaṇa refers to the ultimately real, momentary, indivisible particular.
• Sāmānyalakṣaṇa refers to conceptual universals produced by mental construction. The entire Buddhist theory of knowledge revolves around these two divisions. Therefore, Statement B is also correct.

Step 3: Why Statement C is incorrect. Statement C says Buddhism accepts four Pramāṇas beginning with Pratyakṣa. This is incorrect. The four-pramāṇa system belongs mainly to the Nyāya school:
• Pratyakṣa
• Anumāna
• Upamāna
• Śabda Buddhist philosophers reject independent status for Upamāna and Śabda. They reduce them to inference. Hence, Statement C is false.

Step 4: Why Statement D is incorrect. Statement D says Buddhism accepts Śabda as an independent Pramāṇa. This is false. Buddhist logicians argue that verbal testimony operates through conceptual construction and inference. Therefore, it is not independent. Thus: \[ \text{Śabda} \subset \text{Anumāna} \] Hence, Statement D is incorrect.

Step 5: Why Statement E is incorrect. Statement E mentions Pramāṇa Samplava. Pramāṇa Samplava means that one object may be known through multiple Pramāṇas. This is accepted by Nyāya philosophers. Buddhists reject this and instead accept Pramāṇa Vyavasthā, meaning strict division of domains:
• Perception knows particulars.
• Inference knows universals. Therefore, Statement E is incorrect.

Step 6: Final Conclusion. Only Statements A and B correctly describe Buddhist epistemology. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(2)\ \text{A and B only}} \]