How to Use Pratijñā, Hetu, and Dṛṣṭānta in Argumentation

The Buddhist logic of Bodhisattvas is called Pratijna-Hetu-Udaharana (proposition-reason-example). Pratijna refers to the central thesis or viewpoint, Hetu denotes the theory to be expounded, and Udaharana signifies analogies, illustrations, and factual evidence. To demonstrate the application of Pratijna-Hetu-Udaharana, consider the following example.

Some claim that the mental faculty (manas) is one of the six sense faculties, being a material root like the other five. After thorough and Dharma-compliant logical contemplation, we present the following argument: the mental faculty is not a material root but an immaterial root. First, the proposition—that is, the viewpoint, concept, and thesis—is established: "The mental faculty is an immaterial root." Once the thesis is proposed, it must be comprehensively expounded with supporting reasoning and logic. After clarifying the conceptual framework, illustrative examples are provided, allowing facts to speak for themselves. Thus, theoretical reasoning tightly aligns with the thesis, while examples directly reinforce the argumentation and concepts. Each component interlinks seamlessly, leaving no gaps. This approach yields the strongest persuasive power. Even if opponents object, they would be unable to articulate coherent counterarguments. Opposition or debate merely for the sake of contention proves entirely ineffective.

Naturally, without rigorous logical thinking and insufficient wisdom, arguments become inadequate, lacking robust theoretical support. Consequently, the content fails to demonstrate the validity of the thesis. If contemplation is not meticulous or exposition is incomplete, gaps and flaws emerge, undermining persuasiveness and failing to convince others. If cited examples are forced or fail to substantiate the reason's validity, the argument's persuasive power diminishes significantly, unable to compel conviction. Logical reasoning reflects a practitioner's level of wisdom. The greater the wisdom, the more meticulous the thinking; the stronger the reasoning, the greater the persuasive power, and the more potent the capacity to liberate sentient beings. Those walking the Bodhisattva path, when encountering issues, should engage in profound and detailed contemplation and observation, continually enhancing their logical thinking and discernment. This, of course, presupposes deep meditative concentration (dhyana). When deep contemplation is required, one must eliminate all distractions and concentrate fully to resolve problems.