Tenets Sautrantika (Negative/Positive, Manifest/Hidden Phenomena)

Question 1

The definition of negative phenomenon

Answer 1

[a phenomenon] which is cognized through explicitly negating an object of negation. It is synonymous with exclusion of the other [tib: shen-sel]

F.ex:
- Impermanence, because when saying this we explicitly negate a permanent phenomena
- The absence of a flower and also the not absence of flower

Question 2

Give the classifications of negative phenomena,

Answer 2

Non-affirming negative phenomenon:
is a phenomena which our mind cognizes through only explicitly negating the object (of negation). For example the absence of a flower
==> Not absence of flower is also a negative phenomena, which affirms the absence of a flower. So it is a non affirming negative.

Affirming negative: a phenomenon, which the mind that explicitly cognizes it, does so in cognizing it while affirming another phenomenon.
==> I don’t eat at night, implying that I eat in daytime

(Affirming negative is a substance!!)

Question 3

What is a positive phenomena?

Answer 3

is a phenomena which mind cognizes through not explicitly negating the object of negation.

F.ex.:
Flower is a positive phenomena.
Absence of flower is a negative phenomena.

Question 4

Is emptiness a positive, negative or non affirming negative phenomena?

Answer 4

Emptiness is necessarily a non affirming negative phenomena.

(If any positive phenomena comes to mind we are not mediating on emptiness!)

Question 5

What is a manifest phenomena?

Answer 5

[a phenomenon] which is explicitly cognized by a direct valid cognition. It is synonymous with functional thing (impermanent phenomena)

Question 6

What is a hidden phenomena?

Answer 6

[a phenomenon] which is explicitly cognized by inferential valid cognition. It is synonymous with phenomenon. (==> so even the flower in my hand is a hidden phenomena, it might be hidden for somebody else)

Question 7

What are the subdivisions of hidden phenomena?

Answer 7

1. Slightly hidden phenomena:
   inferring through reasoning, a reasoning by the power of facts,
   f.ex.: atoms of flower

(This is only partly explained by modern science, f.ex.: an experiential entity is not explained by science because it can not be measured) All manifest phenomena are explained by science.

2. Very hidden phenomena:
   F.ex.:
   - birth date, info came from the testimony of another authority
   - Big bang, when was it precisely?
   - Rebirth

(can not be explained by modern science)

Question 8

Define specifically and generally characterized objects.

Answer 8

The definition of specifically characterized object: a phenomenon, which is truly functioning.
(not accepted by Prasangika)

The definition of generally characterized object: a phenomenon, which cannot truly function. Non-composite space…