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Pramana (Samskrit : प्रमाण) is the means or the special source of pramaa (Samskrit : प्रमा) or right knowledge. It is that which gives a subject valid knowledge and only valid knowledge of objects. Pramanas are the processes through which one understands the realities of cosmos. When reality reveals true knowledge it is called prama or valid knowledge, and when this revelation is false it is called aprama or invalid knowledge.  

Pramana (Samskrit : प्रमाणम्) is the means or the special source of pramaa (Samskrit : प्रमा) or right knowledge. The questions of who and what created the world sprang up out of an urge for investigation into the real state of things (Tatvajignasa). This investigation led to identifying the criterion of what constitutes valid knowledge and how it is cognized. It is that which gives a subject valid knowledge and only valid knowledge of objects.  

 

When reality reveals true knowledge it is called prama or valid knowledge, and when this revelation is false it is called aprama or invalid knowledge.  

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

While Jnana is used to denote knowledge from the psychological standpoint that helps in cognition of an object, Prama is used to indicate true knowledge in the logical sense, which denotes ability of recognizing the real nature and character of an object. Four basic factors make up the system of recognition.

While Jnana is used to denote knowledge from the psychological standpoint that helps in cognition of an object, Prama is used to indicate true knowledge in the logical sense, which denotes ability of recognizing the real nature and character of an object. Four basic factors make up the system of recognition.

Vatsyayana Bhashya

Vatsyayana Bhashya of Nyayasutras about what constitutes Pramana

 

#The Prama or Pramiti : the valid knowledge (of an object), the right understanding

#The Prama or Pramiti : the valid knowledge (of an object), the right understanding

#The Prameya : the knowable, the object to be known, the object of valid knowledge

#The Prameya : the knowable, the object to be known, the object of valid knowledge

A brief description of all the Pramanas are as follows

A brief description of all the Pramanas are as follows

===Pratyaksha Pramana===

===Pratyaksha Pramana===

[[Pratyaksha]] (Samskrit : ) pramana  is made of two words Prati and Aksha.  Meaning : In front of the eyes. Knowledge which is produced by the contact of a sense-organ with an object. Perception is a source of direct knowledge and leads one to apprehend the reality. All other means of knowledge are indirect sources of apprehending reality. Example: When the sense-organ, i.e. eye, comes in direct contact with a pot, there arises a perceptual knowledge of pot.

[[Pratyaksha]] (Samskrit : ) pramana  is made of two words Prati and Aksha.  Meaning : In front of the eyes. Knowledge which is produced by the contact of a sense-organ with an object. Perception is a source of direct knowledge and leads one to apprehend the reality. All other means of knowledge are indirect sources of apprehending reality. Example: When the sense-organ, i.e. eye, comes in direct contact with a pot, there arises a perceptual knowledge of pot.  

 

 

Pratyaksha pramana is the primary and fundamental of all the sources of valid knowledge and it is universally recognized so by all schools of philosophy. According to Nyaya , perception is not the only source of our knowledge, but is the basis of the other sources or means of knowledge.

According to Annambhatta's Tarkasangraha

लक्षणप्रमाणाभ्यां हि वस्तु सिद्धिः ईु. ऴपो, ज. 2

Pratyaksha pramana is the primary and fundamental of all the sources of valid knowledge and it is universally recognized so by all schools of philosophy. According to Nyaya , perception is not the only source of our knowledge, but is the basis of the other sources or means of knowledge.

===Anumana Pramana===

===Anumana Pramana===

"avinabhaavena samyag parokshanubhavo anumanah,"  Meaning forming a conclusion based on inference about something is anumana pramana. Thus anumana depends on previous experiences and this knowledge follows other knowledge. Example : where there is smoke there is fire.

"avinabhaavena samyag parokshanubhavo anumanah,"  Meaning forming a conclusion based on inference about something is anumana pramana. Thus anumana depends on previous experiences and this knowledge follows other knowledge. Example : where there is smoke there is fire.