How does Udayana prove the existence of God through Kāryāt, Ayojanāt, Dhṛtyādeh and Śruteh? Discuss.

Kāryāt (The Proof from Effect)

The Kāryāt argument, or the proof from effect, is based on the principle of causality. It posits that every effect must have a cause. Observing the world, we see countless effects – the existence of the universe, its order, and the transformations within it. These effects cannot be self-caused, as that would lead to an infinite regress. Therefore, there must be an uncaused cause, a first cause, which is God. Udayana addresses the objection that the universe itself could be eternal and uncaused by arguing that the inherent qualities (dravya, guna, karma) of the universe necessitate a cause for their combination and initial motion. He specifically refutes the Samkhya view of a self-evolving Prakriti.

Ayojanāt (The Proof from Combination)

The Ayojanāt argument focuses on the combination of atoms. According to Vaisheshika metaphysics, the world is composed of atoms (anu) which are eternally existing but are initially uncombined. These atoms combine to form larger objects. Udayana argues that this combination cannot happen randomly or by chance. The inherent nature of atoms doesn’t contain the impetus for combination; therefore, an external intelligent agent – God – is required to bring about this initial combination and impart motion. This argument emphasizes the order and complexity observed in the world, which cannot arise from mere accidental collisions.

Dhṛtyādeh (The Proof from Sustenance)

The Dhṛtyādeh argument, or the proof from sustaining, addresses the continued existence of the universe. Even if we accept that God initiated the creation, the question remains: what sustains it? Udayana argues that the universe is constantly undergoing change and is inherently unstable. Without a continuous sustaining force, it would disintegrate. This sustaining force is God, who constantly upholds the laws of nature and prevents the universe from falling into chaos. This proof is distinct from the first two as it focuses not on the origin but on the continuation of existence. He uses the analogy of a pot needing a potter to maintain its form, even after it's initially created.

Śruteh (The Proof from Scripture)

The Śruteh argument relies on the authority of the Vedas and other scriptures. Udayana argues that the scriptures reveal the existence of God and provide knowledge about His attributes. However, he doesn’t simply rely on blind faith. He argues that the scriptures are reliable because they originate from an infallible source – God Himself. He addresses the objection that scriptures can be misinterpreted or fabricated by asserting that the true scriptures are validated by their internal consistency and their ability to lead to liberation (moksha). This proof is often considered the weakest by modern critics, as it relies on accepting the authority of scripture as a premise.

Interrelation of the Proofs

While each proof stands independently, Udayana views them as mutually reinforcing. Kāryāt establishes the necessity of a first cause, Ayojanāt explains the initial order, Dhṛtyādeh accounts for the continued existence, and Śruteh provides confirmatory knowledge. Together, they present a comprehensive argument for the existence of a powerful, intelligent, and benevolent God. Udayana’s system aims to bridge the gap between rational inquiry and religious belief, offering a philosophical justification for theistic convictions.

Proof	Focus	Key Argument	Potential Weakness
Kāryāt	Origin of the Universe	Every effect needs a cause; the universe is an effect, therefore it needs God as the first cause.	The possibility of an eternal universe or an infinite regress of causes.
Ayojanāt	Initial Combination of Atoms	Atoms cannot combine spontaneously; God is required to initiate combination and impart motion.	Reliance on the Vaisheshika atomistic metaphysics.
Dhṛtyādeh	Sustenance of the Universe	The universe is inherently unstable and requires continuous sustaining by God.	The possibility of natural laws sustaining the universe without divine intervention.
Śruteh	Scriptural Revelation	The Vedas reveal the existence of God and are a reliable source of knowledge.	Reliance on the authority of scripture, which can be questioned.