Pramāṇa | Means of Valid Knowledge

Pramana

Pramāṇa (IAST)
Translation: "means of valid knowledge"

A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy
Sanskrit: प्रमाण
Transliteration: Pramāṇa

Translation: "means of valid knowledge; logical proof; means of cognition (from the verb root ma = "to measure" and pra = "before or forward")"

Definition:

1. It is the instrument (Karaṇa) of valid knowledge. As the cause, so the effect (Mānādhīnāmeyasiddhiḥ). According to each system, the number of Pramāṇas accepted as valid will depend upon the types of knowledge that are recognized.
2. The Cārvāka (Materialist) school accepts perception (Pratyaksa) as the only means of valid knowledge. The Buddhists and Vaiśeṣika accept perception and inference (Anumāna). The Jainas, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, Dvaita Vedānta accept perception, inference, and verbal testimony (Śabda). Nyāya accepts perception, inference, verbal testimony, and comparison (Upamāna). The Prābhākara Mīmāṃsā and Advaita accept perception, inference, verbal testimony, comparison, presumption, and non-cognition (Anupalabdhi). Śaiva Siddhānta accepts Śiva-Cit-Śakti as the only valid means of knowledge, though, as secondary means, it accepts the traditional first three Pramāṇa(s). Dvaita Vedānta calls the sources of valid knowledge as Anu-Pramāṇa; Kevala Pramāṇa is defined as the knowledge of an object as it is. Dvaita recognizes perception, inference, and verbal testimony as Anu-Pramāṇa.
3. According to Jainism, the means of valid knowledge is knowledge of a thing as it is. It is direct (Aparokṣa), and indirect (Parokṣa). Direct is either practical (Vyāvahārika) or otherworldly (Pāramārthika). Practical is either perceptual knowledge (Mati) or verbal (Sṛta). Otherworldly is either direct knowledge (Kevala) or indirect (Vikala). Indirect is of five types Smṛti, Pratyabhijñā, Tarka, Anumāna, and Āgama.
4. According to some traditions, inclusion (Sambhava), tradition (Aitihya), Pariśeṣa (supplement or remainder), and Ceṣṭā (gesticulation) are Pramāṇa(s)

Reference:

1. Grimes, John (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. Albany: State University of New York Press