Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 38
Discrimination of the Qualities of Poetry (Kāvya-guṇa-viveka) — Closing Verse/Colophon Transition
भिद्यमानस्य तस्यायं द्वैविध्यमुपगीयते प्रत्यक्षादिप्रमाणैर् यद् बाधितं तदसद्विदुः
bhidyamānasya tasyāyaṃ dvaividhyamupagīyate pratyakṣādipramāṇair yad bādhitaṃ tadasadviduḥ
ਜੋ ਗਿਆਨ ਬਾਧਿਤ (ਖੰਡਿਤ) ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੀ ਦੋਹਰੀ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਕਹੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ; ਪ੍ਰਤੱਖ ਆਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਜੋ ਰੱਦ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੇ, ਉਹ ‘ਅਸਤ’ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha, in the Agni Purana’s discourse style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Apply pramāṇa-based error-checking: treat cognitions as ‘asat’ when sublated by stronger evidence (perception, inference, etc.); supports critical reasoning in debate and self-inquiry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Bādhita-jñāna and Asat via Pramāṇa","lookup_keywords":["pramāṇa","pratyakṣa","bādhā","asat","tattva-nirṇaya"],"quick_summary":"States that cognition has a twofold status when under sublation; what is contradicted by valid means like perception is deemed unreal. Practical takeaway: verify beliefs by pramāṇas and discard what is refuted."}
Concept: Epistemic criterion: bādhā (sublation/contradiction) by pramāṇas marks unreality of a cognition’s object as presented.
Application: In study, governance, and spiritual practice, cross-check claims with perception/inference/testimony; treat refuted appearances as provisional.
Khanda Section: Darshana–Nyaya (Pramana & Tattva-nirnaya)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher demonstrating an illusion being corrected: a rope mistaken for a snake, then sublated by perception; beside it, icons of pramāṇas (eye for perception, flame for inference, scripture for śabda).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru and disciple at dusk, rope-snake motif on the ground, symbolic eye and scripture motifs in borders, strong outlines and earthy tones, didactic sacred ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central guru with gold halo pointing to rope, ornate frame with embossed symbols of pramāṇas, rich reds and greens, devotional-instructional blend.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean instructional panel: sequence of three mini-scenes (mistake, doubt, correction), labeled pratyakṣa/anumāna/śabda, soft shading and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholarly veranda scene with manuscripts and instruments, a servant points to rope on the path, refined detailing, marginal notes indicating pramāṇa-based correction."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्यायम् = तस्य + अयम्; द्वैविध्यमुपगीयते = द्वैविध्यम् + उपगीयते; प्रत्यक्षादिप्रमाणैर् = प्रत्यक्षादि + प्रमाणैः (र्-आदेश); तदसद्विदुः = तत् + असत् + विदुः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 346.39 (arthakriyā as reality-test); Agni Purana 346.36 (causality framing)
FAQs
It teaches pramāṇa-vidyā (epistemology): a cognition/appearance is deemed unreal if it is later sublated by stronger valid knowledge such as perception (and allied pramāṇas).
Beyond ritual and devotion, the Agni Purana also preserves systematic philosophical tools—here, criteria of truth and falsity via pramāṇas—showing its coverage of logic and metaphysical discernment alongside other sciences.
It supports viveka (discernment): recognizing what is negated by valid knowledge reduces delusion (moha) and steadies the seeker toward truth-oriented conduct and contemplation.