IBudolhist Logic Dr. S. N. KANDASWAMI Annamalai University logic is uscsul to investigate the real nature of objects. It is cqually useful sor the clarification of the sources of knowledge. Logical knowledge cnables one to propound one’s theorics in such a way that even the opponents are convinced and converted to one's faith. The Naiyāyikas are the pioneers that have built the system of logic. The ancient Tamil classics have also references to the halls where learned discussions were carried on, and the victory of words that they led. The description of a debator is depicited in Malaipapukapām". The very word “vāti’, debator is found there”. But, there is no direct evidence that the study of logic was prevalent in those days. History unfolds the fact that the Buddhistic Tamilakam produced a bumper crop of logical treatises. Kafici of Căttanár's period was a centre of Buddhistic learning attracting students and scholars not only from all parts of India but from overseas. In a monastery at Kā ñci, Aravana A tigal (Acārya Dharmapāla'?), the great Buddhist exponent taught Manimékalai the Buddhist logic and Philosophy. The same Käfici produced | he great lustres of Buddhism in the persons of Dignāga, l) harmapala, Paramārtha, Bódidharma — all contemporaries and 1)|varmak irt ti who carried the flame of the faith to the nook 177
