Prama
Prama is a term that can refer to multiple concepts or entities depending on context. In Sanskrit and Indian philosophy, prama (or pramāṇa) denotes a valid means of knowledge or proof. The concept plays a central role in epistemology across various schools, including Nyaya, Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism. Different traditions discuss different pramanas; commonly cited ones include perception (pratyakṣa), inference (anumāṇa), and testimony or authoritative revelation (śabda). The term is sometimes translated as “proof,” “valid knowledge,” or “means of knowing.” In transliterations, prama may appear as a shortened or variant form of pramāṇa in English texts, reflecting differences in accent and scholarly convention.
Beyond philosophy, prama can appear as a proper noun in modern usage. It is used as a
In summary, prama commonly references the idea of valid knowledge or proof in Indian philosophical discourse,