Nyayaparishuddhi is a seminal work composed by Vedanta Desika, an eminent teacher of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. In this text, Desika aimed to address a perceived imbalance in the treatment of pramanas (means of knowledge) and prameyas (objects of knowledge) within the Nyaya system. While the Nyaya Sutras of Gautama were universally accepted as a foundational text in logic by Hindu philosophers, Desika believed that there was an overemphasis on pramanas in the Nyaya tradition, neglecting the prameyas.
Desika sought to "purify" or correct this
imbalance by demonstrating the compatibility between the philosophy of the
Nyayasutras and that of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Nyayaparishuddhi consists of
five chapters, each focusing on different aspects of knowledge:
Pratyaksha Adhyaya (Chapter on Direct Perception): Explores
the nature and validity of direct perception as a means of knowledge.
Anumana Adhyaya (Chapter on Inference): Addresses the
process of inference and its role in acquiring knowledge.
Shabda Adhyaya (Chapter on Scriptural Testimony): Discusses
the authority and interpretation of scriptural texts as sources of knowledge.
Smriti Adhyaya (Chapter on Secondary Scriptures): Examines
the significance of secondary scriptures, including traditions, commentaries,
and philosophical texts.
Prameya Adhyaya (Chapter on Objects of Knowledge): Focuses
on the objects of knowledge, such as the world, the soul, and God.
While Desika's Nyayaparishuddhi provided a significant
contribution in aligning Nyaya philosophy with Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, he felt
the need to further elaborate on the prameya aspect. Hence, he composed
Nyayasiddhanjana as a complementary work to Nyayaparishuddhi.
Nyayasiddhanjana delves deeper into the prameya aspect,
fulfilling Desika's objective of providing a comprehensive treatment of both
pramanas and prameyas within the framework of Nyaya philosophy. Together,
Nyayaparishuddhi and Nyayasiddhanjana serve as crucial texts in reconciling
Nyaya logic with the philosophical tenets of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta,
showcasing Desika's intellectual prowess and his commitment to philosophical
synthesis.