因明入正理論疏 1.39

1.39

Ancient masters also spoke of four valid proofs: namely, the proposition, the reason, the homogeneous example, and the heterogeneous example. Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, in the Vādavidhi and other texts, stated that valid proofs are three: first, the proposition; second, the reason; third, the example. Because a valid proof must consist of multiple statements, and multiple statements are sufficient to make that thesis to be established manifest, he stated only three. Moreover, whether the example is general or particular, it is ultimately a 'known margin' (dṛṣṭānta-paryanta). Thus the Abhidharmasamuccaya states: 'Setting up an example means harmonizing and correctly stating the seen margin alongside the unseen margin.' Buddhasiṃha explained: 'The seen margin refers to the already fully manifested part. The unseen margin refers to the not-yet fully manifested part.' Using the fully manifested part to reveal the not-yet fully manifested part so that their significance becomes equal, whatever correct statement [is made] is called setting up an example. Therefore, speaking of one example in general already brings the thesis to be proved to its seen margin; what need is there to open it up into either three or two? Without application within the example, the meaning would indeed not be clear; inverted application leads to inverted establishment, and hence it is called a fault. Apart from the reason and the example, [application and conclusion] have no superior substance at all; hence they are not spoken of among genuine valid proofs. Merely stating the reason first and the example following it already clarifies the meaning of the application. To restate it with a conclusion—how superfluous and lengthy that would be! Hence they are omitted in general.