Research Methodology

This research work includes research methods such as library method, along with historical and scientific methods. In the category of qualitative research methodology it includes available primary and secondary literary sources. Mainly this research is based on the Pramāṇasamuccaya, the Nyāyapraveśa, the Pramāṇavārttika, the Nyāyabindu, the Nyāyasūtra, and the Tarkasaṃgraha etc.

This research is carried out on the ground of the following methodological features. First, it employs an inter-disciplinary analysis of the text. The analysis consists of a combination between philological, philosophical, scientific, psychological and heuristic. As some particular terms should be interpreted, the research includes philological analysis of the terms in order to show the “possibility” of different interpretations of their meanings. Psychological, scientific and philosophical analyses also used as supplementary to the clarification.

Secondly, in order to demonstrate a historical survey of Buddhist theory of perception, it uses some early Buddhist canons, texts of different Buddhist schools, and especially those of Diṅnāga and Dharmakīrti as the primary source of information.

Thirdly, the comparative study of different epistemological terms and issues discussed in different works is one of the most popular approaches to a thesis. Indian Ancient philosophers used different approaches for epistemological issues which have been interpreted in different ways by modern thinkers. Every particular issue is studied in the light of this comparison.

Lastly, it is a comprehensive study of the history of a system of philosophy emerged in India during the fifth century, thus the thesis could not cover all aspects of the issues related. This study therefore, concentrates on the essential issues of Buddhist and Nyāya theory of perception. This study also tries to show the relevance of Buddhist epistemology in contemporary world.