PRAMA, PRAMEYA, PRAMATA, PRAMANA & DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAMA AND APRAMA

PRAMA, PRAMEYA, PRAMATA, PRAMANA & DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAMA AND APRAMA

• In Padarthavijnana, the study of the means and nature of knowledge is fundamental.

• The process of attaining valid knowledge (Yatharthajnana) is central to any philosophical system.

• Nyaya and Vaiseshika Darshanas describe six categories (Shadpadartha) and emphasize Prama and its sources.

• In Ayurveda, correct knowledge is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

PRAMA (VALID KNOWLEDGE)

• Prama means true, definite, and non-erroneous knowledge.

• It is also called Yatharthajnana (real knowledge).

• It leads to successful interaction with the objective world.

• It is free from doubt (Samsaya), illusion (Viparyaya), and hypothetical knowledge (Tarka).

SANSKRIT REFERENCE
प्रमा नाम यथार्थज्ञानम्।
— Nyaya Sutra 1/1/3

CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAMA

• Validity

• Certainty

• Non-contradiction

• Utility in practical application (Vyavahara-yogyata)

TYPES OF PRAMA

• Smriti (memory)

• Anubhava (direct experience)

• Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda (according to Nyaya Darshana)

MODERN CORRELATION

• Valid perception aligns with "accurate cognitive processing" in neuroscience.

• Medical diagnosis depends on reliable knowledge (clinical examination, lab tests).

PRAMEYA (OBJECT OF KNOWLEDGE)

• The object which is known through Pramana.

• It is that which is understood or perceived.

SANSKRIT REFERENCE
प्रमेयम् तु प्रमानस्यानुग्राह्यत्वम्।
— Tarka Sangraha

EXAMPLES OF PRAMEYA

• Atman, Body, Senses, Objects, etc. (in Ayurveda: Dosha, Dhatu, Mala)

• In modern science: bacteria, cells, organs, etc.

TENFOLD PRAMEYA ACCORDING TO NYAYA

1. Atma

2. Sharira

3. Indriya

4. Artha

5. Buddhi

6. Mana

7. Pravritti

8. Dosa

9. Pretyabhava

10. Phala

PRAMATA (KNOWER OR SUBJECT)

• The person who gains the knowledge.

• Pramata is the experiencer or subject who uses Pramana to know Prameya.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAMATA

• Has valid cognitive faculties

• Is capable of perception and inference

• Is involved in acquiring knowledge

MODERN CORRELATION

• In neuroscience, Pramata is linked to conscious observer or central nervous processing unit (brain).

PRAMANA (MEANS OF VALID KNOWLEDGE)

• The instruments or methods by which knowledge is gained.

• Pramana leads to Prama.

SANSKRIT REFERENCE
प्रमाणं तु यथार्थज्ञानकारणम्।
— Nyaya Sutra 1/1/4

FOUR PRAMANAS ACCEPTED IN AYURVEDA

1. Pratyaksha – Direct perception

2. Anumana – Inference

3. Upamana – Comparison

4. Aptopadesha / Shabda – Verbal testimony from authoritative sources

BRIEF EXPLANATION

• Pratyaksha: Seen or sensed directly through senses

• Anumana: Logical deduction, e.g., smoke implies fire

• Upamana: Learning by analogy or similarity

• Shabda: Knowledge gained from trustworthy authority, e.g., scriptures or Acharyas

MODERN CORRELATION

• Pratyaksha: Clinical examination

• Anumana: Diagnosis based on symptoms

• Upamana: Comparative pathology

• Shabda: Medical texts and literature

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAMA AND APRAMA

TYPES OF APRAMA

1. Samsaya (Doubt)

2. Viparyaya (Illusion)

3. Tarka (Hypothetical reasoning)

4. Smriti (Memory – if inaccurate)

SANSKRIT REFERENCE
संशयविपर्ययतर्कस्मृतयः अप्रमाणानि।
— Tarka Sangraha

MODERN CORRELATION

• In medical practice, Aprama can be seen as misdiagnosis, misinterpretation of lab data, or clinical error.