Nyaya, or Analysis
The beginnings of the Nyaya systems go back to the disputations of the Vedic scholars. Nyaya philosophy is known for being analytical and logical; the word itself means “logic” or “the science of right reasoning” or sometimes the “science of discussion” or “the science of debate.” Its first adherents, known as niyayikas, represent Nyaya as a means toward true knowledge of the soul and the aim of human life, so the use of this logical analysis was connected with and in the service of metaphysical knowledge.
Even in ancient times, Nyaya wove together two elements: adhyatma-vidya, or metaphysics, and tarka-sastra, or rules of debate, often called logic. The work called the Nyaya Sutra (written in the third century
The practice of Darhsan by itself can confer grace upon a seeker and result in spiritual benefit. This is why Hindus visit temples, as well as divine persons, and why Hare Krishna devotees worship statues, Swami Prabhupada, or images of Krishna. Darshan was also apparent in the throng of several hundred thousand who attended the funeral of Mohan-das Gandhi.
So the work begins with a bold aphorism: “It is knowledge of the true character of the following sixteen categories that leads to the attainment of the highest good: (1) The Means of Right Cognition; (2) The Objects of Right Cognition; (3) Doubt; (4) Motive; (5) Example; (6) Theory; (7) Factors of Inference; (8) Cogitation; (9) Demonstrated Truth; (10) Discussion; (11) Disputation; (12) Wrangling; (13) Fallacious Reasoning; (14) Casuistry; (15) Futile Rejoinder; and (16) Clinchers.” Modern readers will recognize most of these elements as being essential to a textbook on logic.
But Indian logic is not learned for its own sake; this is not formal logic or a mere device for correct thinking. Rather, logic is practiced for the sake of salvation. In the context of Hinduism, this is logic as a way to truth. Sage Gotama, who founded the Nyaya school, asserted that the misery experienced by man was due to birth, which resulted in death. The reasoning is that if suffering, birth, activity, mistaken notions, and folly are cancelled out, moksha or liberation can be achieved.
Nyaya was taught in the ancient and medieval period and up to the present in India's schools and universities. It wasn't just that Nyaya was considered indispensable for the study of philosophy; it was also part of the mental training for educated people. It was as important to Indian education as Aristotle's logic was to European education.
