Discuss the nature of God as propounded in Nyāya philosophy.

Nyāya’s Epistemological Foundation and God

The Nyāya school accepts four primary sources of valid knowledge: perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), comparison (upamana), and testimony (shabda). It is through anumana, specifically, that the existence of God is demonstrated. Nyāya doesn’t rely on scriptural testimony alone; rather, it seeks to establish God’s existence through rational proofs.

Proofs for the Existence of God (Ishvara)

Nyāya presents several arguments for the existence of God, the most prominent being the argument from causation (karanatva-hetu). This argument posits that every effect must have a cause, and tracing this causal chain ultimately leads to an uncaused cause – Ishvara. Here's a breakdown:

• The Argument from Causation: The world is full of effects (karya). Every effect has a cause (karana). Causes themselves are effects of prior causes. This regress cannot go on infinitely; therefore, there must be a first cause – Ishvara.
• The Argument from the Order of the Universe: The universe exhibits a remarkable order and regularity. This order cannot arise spontaneously; it requires an intelligent designer – Ishvara.
• The Argument from the Origin of Souls: Souls (atman) are inherently inactive and require an external agent to initiate their experiences of pleasure and pain. This agent is Ishvara.
• The Argument from Moral Order: The existence of a moral order, where actions have consequences (karma), implies a just and impartial judge – Ishvara.

Attributes of God in Nyāya Philosophy

Once God’s existence is established, Nyāya proceeds to define His attributes. These attributes are not merely descriptive but are essential for understanding God’s role in the universe:

• Eternity (nitya): God is eternal, without beginning or end.
• Omnipresence (sarvavyapi): God is present everywhere.
• Omniscience (sarvajnana): God knows everything, past, present, and future.
• Omnipotence (sarvashakti): God has unlimited power.
• Creator (srishti-kartā): God is the creator of the universe.
• Destroyer (samhara-kartā): God is responsible for the dissolution of the universe.
• Maintainer (sthiti-kartā): God sustains the universe.
• Impartial Judge (dharmadhī): God administers justice based on karma.

God and the Problem of Suffering

Nyāya addresses the problem of suffering by invoking the doctrine of karma. Suffering isn’t arbitrary but a consequence of past actions. God, as the impartial judge, ensures that everyone receives the fruits of their deeds. This doesn’t negate God’s compassion but explains the existence of suffering within a just cosmic order. The concept of apūrva, an unseen potency generated by actions, plays a crucial role in explaining the delayed effects of karma.

Distinction from other Schools

Unlike Advaita Vedanta, which ultimately posits the non-duality of Atman and Brahman, Nyāya maintains a clear distinction between God and the individual soul. God remains eternally separate and superior. Furthermore, while Samkhya postulates a non-personal principle (Prakriti) as the ultimate reality, Nyāya insists on a personal God who actively governs the universe.