Sarvadarshanasangraha 13.39

13.39

Now, [an opponent might say:] even for sphoṭa, expressiveness of meaning is untenable, since it does not bear analysis. Does the sphoṭa convey the meaning when manifested, or when unmanifested? Not the latter, for that would entail the production of the effect in the form of cognition of all word-meanings [simultaneously], since, by accepting the eternity of sphoṭa, the independent cause would be ever-present and there could be no delay of the effect. If, to avoid this fault, it is maintained that the sphoṭa conveys meaning when manifested, even so, do the manifesting phonemes manifest it individually or collectively? On either alternative, the very faults stated by you regarding the position that phonemes are expressive must be averted regarding the position that phonemes are manifestative of sphoṭa. As was said by Bhaṭṭācārya in the Mīmāṃsāślokavārttika: