Sāṃkhya Kārikā verse 4
दृष्टमनुमानमाप्तवचनं च सर्वप्रमाणसिद्धत्वात् । त्रिविधं प्रमाणमिष्टं प्रमेयसिद्धिः प्रमाणाद्धि ॥ ४ ॥dṛṣṭam-anumānam-āpta-vacanaṃ ca sarva-pramāṇa-siddhatvāt | tri-vidhaṃ pramāṇam-iṣṭaṃ prameya-siddhiḥ pramāṇāt-hi ||
“The means to right perception
involves direct observation,
inference and authentic authority.”
Commentaries and Reflections
Commentary by S Ramaswami:
“Dṛṣṭam-
Observation through the senses. Perception.
Anumānam-
Inference. Following the mind through. Anu: Follow, and Manam: Mind. Knowing the thing as it is (e.g. Seeing tip of the iceberg and knowing what rests underneath.) Making a correct conclusion.
Āptavacanam-
Valid Testimony. Friendly words. Benevolent advice. One who has your interests at heart. Gives advice without regard or thought for reward. Valid testimony. Knowledge derived from verbal statement. Generally of a Spiritual nature.
Pramāṇa-
Knowledge or Proof. Pramāna is the mental function that leads to pramāṇāt.
Pramāṇāt-
Success, Correct knowledge. Means by which you know. Pramāṇa should not relate to what is known by other means.
Prameya-
Cannot be grasped whilst one is ignorant of the means of correct knowledge.”
Commentary by Paul Harvey:
“The means to right perception
involves direct observation,
inference and authentic authority.”