Indian Logic and Atomism: An Exposition of the Nyaya and Vaiceshika Systems c19.s2.1

c19.s2.1

Udayana² divides his proof of the existence of God into five heads, but his exposition is far from simple; it is complicated by the desire to discuss more or less completely rival theories both of causation and knowledge whose inclusion in this place gives a somewhat artificial trend to his reasoning. The first proof adduced is based on the establishment of the unseen principle (adṛṣṭa) as that which governs the fates of men in their various lives. This principle is unintelligent in itself, and it must therefore act under the direction of an intelligent power, who does not create it or alter its inevitable action, but renders possible its operation.