Epistemology and Spiritual Authority - The development of epistemology and logic in the old Nyaya and the Buddhist school of epistemology-Arbeitsk

Abstract

This book was previously brought out as a PhD-thesis entitled "The Buddha as a Means of valid Cognition". Originally it had been my intention to add new findings to this edition, findings concerning the beginnings of Indian epistemology and logic, such as are found scattered in various texts antedating the Nyaya Sutra, as well as further discussion on the interpretation of Buddhist logic. But certain technical problems and the bulk and nature of the new material prevented me from adding much to the present text. They will appear in a separate publication. Printing errors have been corrected as far as possible, although I am sure that some have escaped notice, for which I ask the indulgence of the reader. Certain numberings in the index will at first sight seem rather erratic, this is due to technical problems, but if the numbering is read in a specific mathematical order, the text-place can be easily found. It remains for me to express my gratitude especially to the following persons who have contributed greatly to the making of this book: Dr. T.E. Vetter, Dr. J.C. Heesterman, Leiden, and Dr. E. Steinkellner, Dr. G. Oberhammer and their pupils, Vienna, for their scholarly comments on my translations and interpretation of certain passages; Mrs. Upinder Singh, Delhi, for checking my English; Mr. T. Meindersma, Groningen, for having been a willing victim of my classes on Indian epistemology and logic, the firm Tekstyle, Amsterdam for typesetting this book, and lastly my grandmother for her encouragement.