Brahma-Sūtra 2.2.9

English of translation of Brahmasutra 2.2.9 by Roma Bose:

“And if there be an inference in another way, (pradhāna cannot still be the cause) on account of the absence of the power of being a knower.”

Nimbārka’s commentary (Vedānta-pārijāta-saurabha):

“And if there be an inference” with regard to pradhāna “in another way”, still then “on account of the absence of the power of being a knower” on the part of pradhāna, the world is not due to it.

Śrīnivāsa’s commentary (Vedānta-kaustubha)

Just as there may be the origin of effects, preceded by (pradhāna’s) entering into a state of mutual subordination and preponderance in a way other than the stated, so if an inference be made with regard to pradhāna, still then “on account of the absence of the power of being a knower”, i.e. on account of pradhāna being devoid of the power of being a knower, the objections, viz. impossibility of arrangement and the rest, mentioned above, must remain in force. Hence the inference (i.e, the inferrible pradhāna) is not the cause of the world.

Comparative views of Rāmānuja and Śrīkaṇṭha:

Interpretation same, but they read sūtras 5-9 in a different order. Thus:—

Nimbārka, etc.
“Anyatra-bhāvāc ca..” (Sū. 5).
“Abhyupagame..” (Sū. 6).
“Puruṣāśmavat..” (Sū. 7).
“Aṅgitva..” (Sū. 8).
“Anyathānumitau..” (Sū. 9).

Rāmānuja, etc.
“Anyatra-bhāvāc ca..” (Sū. 4).
“Puruṣāśmavat..” (Sū. 5).
“Aṅgitva..” (Sū. 6).
“Anyathānumitau..” (Sū. 7).
“Abhyupagame..” (Sū. 8).