Jñānaśrīmitra
Jñānaśrīmitra (fl. 975–1025 CE) was a highly influential Indian Buddhist philosopher and scholar who played a significant role in the epistemological (pramana) tradition of Buddhist philosophy, which traces its lineage back to Dignāga and Dharmakīrti.
Key aspects of Jñānaśrīmitra’s work and thought
- Pramana Tradition: He was a prominent figure within the Pramana tradition of Buddhist philosophy that focused on valid means of knowledge.
- Theory of Exclusion (Apoha): Jñānaśrīmitra elaborated and defended Dignāga’s nominalist theory of apoha (exclusion), which explored the nature of linguistic meaning and conceptual awareness, according to the Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia. His Apohaprakaraṇa (“Monograph on Exclusion”) is a key work in this area.
- Yogācāra Idealism (Sākāravāda): He was a defender of the Yogācāra school of Buddhist idealism, specifically the Sākāravāda view, which posits that cognitive content or aspects of consciousness (“ākāras”) are real.
- Critiques of Rival Schools: Jñānaśrīmitra’s work reflects debates with Hindu and Jain philosophers, and he countered criticisms of Buddhist philosophy.
- Influence: Jñānaśrīmitra is recognized as a vital figure whose contributions shaped Buddhist philosophy and influenced subsequent generations of scholars and practitioners, notes WisdomLib.org. His work was particularly important for the growth of Buddhism at the monastic and educational complex of Vikramasila.
- Teacher of Ratnakīrti: He was also the teacher of the prominent Buddhist philosopher Ratnakīrti.
Significance
Jñānaśrīmitra was considered the most important Indian philosopher of his generation by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. His systematic engagement with Buddhist logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of language provided crucial insights and influenced the trajectory of Indian philosophy.