Since you are not logged in, some functions (such as the OCR button) have been disabled. To use all website features, please create an account.

Handbook of Classical Sanskrit Rhetoric / 204 Image 204 of 262 (Page 148)

Proofed once

Help

<headword>वितर्क</headword>
वितर्कः  Vitarkaḥ :  Rhetoric Argument :

vi tarka literally means logic, agrument, debate, reasoning etc. In the
science of logic, it is termed ūha that stands between doubt and
ascertainment. As a figure of speech Vitarka consists in considering
one thing through various alternatives which are equal in merit. In
different stages of philosophical argumentation, vitarka is one of
the stages of logical approach to be followed for the establishment
of the truth. Those who do not accept Vitarka as a separate figure
include it under Sandeha, Saṃśaya or Saṃbhāvanā.

Any matter-of-fact argument has nothing to do with this figure
of speech since such an expression is devoid of any kind of poetic
beauty. For example: sthāṇur vā, puruṣo vā.--Is it a pillar or a
man? Vitarka is twofold:
(i) argument finally reaching to a conclusion with
ascertainment (nirṇayānta) and
(ii) only argument without any conclusion
(anirṇayānta).
eg 1. svapno nu māyā nu matibhramo nu!
स्वप्नो नु माया नु मतिभ्रमो नु ।
Is it a dream! an illusion! or mental delusion!
2.kim induḥ kiṃ padmaṃ kimu mukura-bimbaṃ kimu mukham,
kimabje kiṃ mīnau kimu madana-vāṇau kimu dṛśau,
khagau vā gucchau vā kanaka-kalaśau vā kucau
taḍid vā tārā vā kanaka-latikā vā kim abalā.
किमिन्दुः किं पद्मं किमु मुकुरबिम्बं किमु मुखम् ।
किमब्जे किं मीनौ किमु मदनवाणौ किमु दृशौ ।
खगौ वा गुच्छौ वा कनककलशौ वा कुचौ
तडिद् वा तारा वा कनकलतिका वा किमबला ॥
Is this the moon, a lotus, reflection in a mirror or the face?
Is this a pair of lotuses or fishes, arrows of Cupid or eyes?
Are they swans, flower bunches, golden pots or breasts of a female?
Is this a lightning flash, a star, a golden creeper or a damsel?

Here we find some argument or debate for several alternatives
nicely selected by the poet while describing the beautiful features
of the lady (ie her face, eyes, breasts as well as the entire figure).

Edit summary (optional) Status

Needs more work

Proofed once

Proofed twice

Not relevant

Only registered users can save changes. Create an account or sign in to save your changes.