25, April 2026

BUILDING MINDS: A PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH TO NYAYA-SUTRA FIRST APHORISM FOR YOUNG SCHOLARS AT SCHOOL

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-4; APR-2026

Author(s): 1.Ms. Yashika L Taunk, 2. Dr. Bhumika J. Barot

Authors Affiliations:

1.Research Scholar (JRF), P.G. Department of Education, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand

2.Associate Professor, P.G. Department of Education, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202604010     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202604010


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Abstract:

Nyaya philosophy, beginning with the Nyaya Sutra of Gautama, is an art of reasoning rooted in early Upanishads such as Chandogya and Subhala. The Nyaya Sutra, considered the first textbook of Nyaya, is divided into five books, each containing two sections. It attempts to integrate Brahmic logical thought with religious and philosophical doctrines, offering a logical defence of theistic realism. Thus, Nyaya remains directly or indirectly consistent with the pursuit of true knowledge of reality. The ultimate aim of the Nyaya school is “Liberation,” attained through true knowledge of objects. The first aphorism outlines sixteen padarthas (elements), regarded as the "Supreme Felicity" that leads to valid knowledge. These elements include: Pramana (means of knowledge), Prameya (objects of knowledge), Samasya (doubt), Prayojana (purpose), Drstanta (example), Siddhanta (tenet), Avayava (components), Tarka (reasoning), Nirnaya (ascertainment), Vada (discussion), Jalpa (wrangling), Vitanda (cavil), Hetvabhasa (fallacy), Chala (quibble), Jati (futility), and Nigrahasthana (rebuttal). These are categorized into three groups: the first (Pramana and Prameya) relates to epistemology; the second includes elements essential for inquiry; and the third outlines strategies for debate. Together, they form a logical framework for knowledge construction. This paper explores integrating these elements into pedagogy at the school level. The first group forms the core, with the other two supporting knowledge acquisition. An exemplar will be presented to guide integration across disciplines, highlighting teacher roles, learning outcomes, and challenges in implementing these traditional philosophical principles in modern pedagogy.

Keywords: Nyaya Sutra, Sixteen Elements of Aphorism, Pedagogy and subjects, School

Ms. Yashika L Taunk,  Dr. Bhumika J. Barot (2026); BUILDING MINDS: A PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH TO NYAYA-SUTRA FIRST APHORISM FOR YOUNG SCHOLARS AT SCHOOL, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  4,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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