Vadnyaya

The book "Vadanyaya" by Acharya Shantarakshit, with a commentary by Acharya Dharmakirti, published by Mahabodhi Sabha, Sarnath in 1936 AD, is a significant work in Buddhist logic. Rahul Sankrityayan edited this text.

The book is a deep exploration of logical arguments and fallacies within Buddhist philosophy. It aims to refute various logical fallacies and establish the correct methodology of debate and reasoning according to Buddhist principles. The text likely delves into the nuances of nigrahasthana (grounds for defeat in a debate), as indicated by the introductory verses and chapter titles referring to the definition of nigrahasthana and the refutation of Nyaya (Brahmanical logic) views.

Key Themes and Content (as inferred from the provided pages and context):

• Critique of Nyaya Philosophy: A significant portion of the text appears dedicated to dissecting and refuting the logical tenets of the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy. This is a common theme in Buddhist logical treatises, which often sought to establish the superiority of their epistemological and logical frameworks.
• Definition and Analysis of Nigrahasthana: The text likely provides a detailed exposition and classification of various nigrahasthanas – the points of logical failure or admission of defeat in a debate. Dharmakirti's commentary would further elaborate on these.
• Buddhist Epistemology and Logic: The book is expected to showcase the Buddhist understanding of valid means of knowledge (pramana) and the principles of valid inference (anumana) and perception (pratyaksha), contrasting them with non-Buddhist viewpoints.
• Debate and Argumentation: "Vadanyaya" is inherently about the art of debate (vada). It would likely analyze the structure of arguments, the role of different participants (the debater, the opponent), and the strategies employed in philosophical discourse.
• Chronology and Historical Context: The introduction and appendices provide valuable insights into the historical development of Buddhist logic. They discuss the timelines of key figures like Vasubandhu, Dignaga, and Dharmakirti, highlighting the interdependence of their periods and the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding their exact dates. The editor, Rahul Sankrityayan, also shares his research based on Tibetan and Chinese translations and inscriptions.
• Manuscript Details: The introduction mentions the discovery and use of palm-leaf manuscripts of the commentary in Tibetan monasteries, indicating the importance of these texts for the reconstruction and understanding of the original Sanskrit.

Overall Significance:

The "Vadanyaya" is a critical text for understanding the sophisticated logical systems developed within Buddhism. It not only contributes to the internal debates and refinements of Buddhist philosophy but also engages with and critiques other major Indian philosophical traditions, particularly Nyaya. The commentary by Dharmakirti, one of the most influential Buddhist logicians, makes this work even more crucial for scholars of Indian philosophy and Buddhist studies. The publication by Mahabodhi Sabha underscores its importance within the Buddhist revival movements.