檢視 Definition 的原始碼

The notion of '''definition''' or '''defining characteristics''' (Skt. ''lakṣaṇa''; [[Wyl.]] ''mtshan nyid'') is a very important one in Buddhist philosophy, so much so that the [[sutra vehicle]] is often known as the [[vehicle of characteristics]]. A correct and useful definition must avoid the three faults of being too narrow, too broad or impossible.

==In Pramana==
In [[Pramana]], definition (''mtshan nyid'') is usually discussed in terms of the triad of '''definition''' (''mtshan nyid''), '''name''' (''lakṣya''; ''mtshon bya'') and '''basis of definition''' (''mtshan gzhi'').

For example, in the case of a vase:

*the '''definition''' is something like "narrow-necked, bulbous object capable of holding water"
*the '''name''' (or definiendum) is "vase"
*and the '''basis of definition''' (or illustration) is the particular instance, such as the green vase on your table.



[[Category:Pramana]]