Pramanavarttika

The Pramanavarttika is a foundational text in the Indian Buddhist philosophical tradition, particularly within the Yogacara and Madhyamaka schools. Authored by Dharmakirti, a prominent 7th-century Indian Buddhist philosopher, it is considered his magnum opus. The work's title, "Pramanavarttika," translates to "Commentary on Pramana," where "pramana" refers to a valid means of knowledge or cognition.

Dharmakirti's primary objective in the Pramanavarttika is to establish the validity of Buddhist epistemology and metaphysics. He meticulously analyzes the nature of perception and inference as the two principal means of acquiring knowledge. By defending the reliability of these pramanas, Dharmakirti aims to demonstrate that the Buddha's teachings, which are based on such valid cognition, are themselves trustworthy and lead to liberation.

The Pramanavarttika is structured into several chapters, each addressing different aspects of Buddhist philosophy. It includes extensive critiques of non-Buddhist philosophical systems, such as those of the Nyaya and Mimamsa schools, highlighting their epistemological weaknesses. Furthermore, Dharmakirti elaborates on key Buddhist doctrines, including the impermanence of phenomena (anicca), the absence of a permanent self (anatta), and the causal continuum of existence (pratityasamutpada). The text also famously includes arguments for the existence of rebirth and karma, framed within his epistemological framework. The Pramanavarttika has had a profound and lasting impact on subsequent Buddhist thought, influencing scholars across India and Tibet for centuries.