really fanciful rather than possible that Dignaga was influenced by Cättanar. ‘ One should bear in mind that the Buddhist logical texts are found only in Sanskrit, and most of them have had the unique privilege of travelling through translations to the foreign countries like Tibet, China, Japan etc. The logical terms used by Cattana r are mainly Sanskrit words and sometimes their Tamil translations. Before arriving at a conclusion on the problem of indebtedness, we should pay attention to the Buddhologists’ say that the golden age of Buddhist logic was extended over 400–700 A.I.) " To this period belonged the cominent Buddhist logicians Asanga, Vasubandhu, Dignaga, I harmak irtti and others. Among them Dignaga occupies an important place." Born in Kanci of Brahmin parents, he studied the various systems of Indian philosophy and finally became a Buddhist of the Sautra n tika Yogācāra school. Because of his brilliance and versatile genius he was unrivalled in his field. He toured the whole of India, conducting debates with the leading logicians and conquering and converting them to his fold. He was honoured with the title ‘Dharkapuri gava’ – bull in debate and he presided over the destiny of the Buddhist University at Nalanda. There he proved himself an able and efficient professor.” Among the four disciples of Vasubandhu, Dignaga alone specialised and developed the Buddhist logic as an art.” i. Coming to Căttanăr, we know that he was a merchant in grains in Madurai.” He too was a master, scholar and above. all an epic poet. Since his life story is shrouded in mystery, we can’t say anything about his reputation or recognition as a logician equal to Dignaga. It is sure that he should have commanded respect among the native Buddhist scholars. On this supposition, one should not rush to the conclusion that ('attanar was the source for Dignaga. For, Cättană r was an epic poet, while Dignaga was out and out a logician. It is not 1-79
