Nyayasiddhantadipa

The L.D. Series 56 publication, "Śaśadhara's Nyayasiddhantadipa with Tippana by Guṇaratnasūri," edited by Bimal Krishna Matilal, presents a significant contribution to the study of Indian philosophy, particularly Navya-Nyāya. The work aims to provide a complete and accurate text of Śaśadhara's Nyayasiddhantadipa along with a previously unpublished commentary (Tippana) by Guṇaratnasūri, who is likely the same individual as Guṇaratna, the author of Saddarśanasamuccayavṛtti (c. 1412 AD).

Key aspects of this publication and its content include:

• Title and Authorship: The book is Nyayasiddhantadipa by Mahopadhyāya Śaśadhara, with a commentary (Tippana) by Guṇaratnasūri. Bimal Krishna Matilal served as the editor.
• Significance of the Work: Nyayasiddhantadipa is identified as an important pre-Gangeśa text on Navya-Nyāya. Gangeśa Upadhyāya is a pivotal figure in the Navya-Nyāya school, generally dated around 1300-1350 AD. Matilal argues convincingly in his introduction that Śaśadhara likely preceded Gangeśa by about 150 years, positioning Śaśadhara as a foundational figure in the development of Navya-Nyāya.
• Dating of Śaśadhara: Matilal delves deeply into the dating of Śaśadhara. He explores various traditions and epigraphic evidence, including the Bheraghat Stone Inscription, which mentions a logician named Śaśidhara. This evidence strongly suggests that Śaśadhara was likely active in the 12th century AD, potentially identifying him with the Śaśidhara of the inscriptions. This dating is crucial for understanding the intellectual lineage of Indian logic.
• The Commentary by Guṇaratnasūri: The inclusion of Guṇaratnasūri's Tippana is a major contribution, as it was previously unpublished. Matilal's research suggests this Guṇaratna is likely the renowned Jaina scholar who authored the Saddarśanasamuccayatika. The commentary focuses on four specific chapters of the Nyayasiddhantadipa.
• Textual Basis and Critical Edition: The present edition is based on a thorough collation of various manuscripts, including those from the L. D. Institute of Indology, the India Office Library, and a Limbdi manuscript. The editor highlights the deficiencies of previous published editions, which were incomplete and contained numerous errors. This new edition aims to provide a more complete and accurate text.
• Structure of Nyayasiddhantadipa: The work comprises numerous chapters or Vādas, discussing various philosophical and logical topics. The table of contents lists 27 such Vādas, covering subjects like causality, the nature of language (word-power), the existence of God, the concept of non-existence (abhāva), and the theory of pervasion (vyāpti). The arrangement of some concluding chapters varies between manuscripts, and Matilal's edition follows the order found in three key manuscripts, resulting in 27 chapters.
• Key Philosophical Discussions:
  • Causality (Kāraṇatāvāda): The text engages with defining causality, exploring various proposed definitions like invariable antecedent existence, universal concomitance, and cause without counteraction.
  • Word-Power (Padashaktivāda): It discusses the locus of word-meaning, whether it resides in the universal (jāti), the particular (vyakti), or both.
  • Pervasion (Vyāpti): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to defining vyāpti, the essential relation between the middle term (hetu) and the major term (sādhya) in inference. It critically examines various definitions and the means of acquiring knowledge of vyāpti (vyāptigrah).
  • Other Topics: The Nyayasiddhantadipa also addresses other philosophical concepts like the nature of darkness (andhakāravāda), the reality of causality (kāraṇatāvāda), the meaning of command (vidhivāda), the doctrine of unintended consequences (apūrvavāda), and theories of error (anyathākhyāti).
• Editorial Contributions: Bimal Krishna Matilal's introduction provides a scholarly analysis of Śaśadhara's dating, the manuscript materials, the structure of the work, and the philosophical significance of the discussions. He also notes textual peculiarities in Guṇaratnasūri's commentary.
• Relevance: This publication is invaluable for scholars and students of Indian logic and philosophy, offering access to a critical edition of a foundational Navya-Nyāya text and a rare commentary, shedding light on the early development of this school of thought.

In essence, this edition of Nyayasiddhantadipa by Śaśadhara, with the commentary by Guṇaratnasūri and meticulously edited by B. K. Matilal, is a landmark publication for understanding the history and nuances of Navya-Nyāya, particularly its pre-Gangeśa phase.