Shabdapramana

Shabdapramana, also known as the word or verbal testimony, is one of the five pramanas or means of valid knowledge in Nyaya, a school of Hindu philosophy. It is the testimony or assertion of a reliable and competent witness. The word "shabda" in Sanskrit means "sound" or "word," and "pramana" means "means of knowledge."

Shabdapramana is considered a valid means of knowledge because it is based on the testimony of a competent and reliable witness. The witness must be someone who is knowledgeable about the subject matter and has no reason to deceive. The testimony must also be made in the presence of the person seeking the knowledge, and the witness must be truthful and sincere.

Shabdapramana is often contrasted with pratyaksha, the perception of the senses, and anumana, the process of inference. While pratyaksha is based on direct perception, and anumana is based on logical reasoning, shabdapramana is based on the testimony of a reliable witness.

Shabdapramana is also subject to certain conditions and limitations. For example, the testimony must be made in the presence of the person seeking the knowledge, and the witness must be truthful and sincere. Additionally, the testimony must be relevant to the subject matter and must not be contradicted by other reliable sources of knowledge.

In conclusion, shabdapramana is a valid means of knowledge in Nyaya, based on the testimony of a reliable and competent witness. It is subject to certain conditions and limitations, but when these conditions are met, it can provide a reliable source of knowledge.