Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s10.t9.6

v1.c7.s10.t9.6

Nyaya Sutra also connects its theories of reasoning and debate with the religious issues. *Nyaya Sutra* first emphasises that reaching the highest good needs the knowledge of “16 truths”. The core theory of 16 truths is about the knowledge of reasoning and debate. *Nyaya Sutra* thinks that this kind of knowledge is actually the supreme wisdom, and that achieving them will eliminate ignorance, while Vimukti relies on the elimination of ignorance. Therefore, the knowledge of logical reasoning and debate is inseparable with Nyaya's ultimate goal of achieving the liberation by freeing from Samsara. The thought of *Nyaya Sutra* plays a crucial role in the development of Indian philosophy. Many sects have absorbed its logical and debate ideas. It is the reference in the development of Buddhism. Many thoughts in ancient Buddhist hetuvidya are built on the basis of the absorption and transformation of Nyaya’s relevant thoughts. The thought of *Nyaya Sutra* still have significant influence in modern times in India. Some famous Indian ideologists in modern times compare the thought of *Nyaya Sutra* with the western logic, integrate some ideas, and put forward some new theoretical insights.