REVISITING ŚABDA: LANGUAGE, COGNITION AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE INDIAN TRADITION

This paper examines the profound concept of śabda (word/sound) within Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), tracing its role as a primary pramāṇa (valid means of knowledge) and pathway to Brahman-realization. Beginning with Nyāya, where śabda functions as non-eternal verbal testimony (śabda-pramāṇa), produced through conjunction/disjunction akin to successive waves (vīcī-taraṅga-nyāya), yet conveying truth from reliable authorities and the apauruṣeya Vedas. The Mīmāṃsā perspective upholds śabda's eternality and all-pervasiveness, conveying universals (jāti) via secondary implication (lakṣaṇā) or implication (ākṣepa) to reconcile scripture with worldly usage. The Grammarians (Vaiyākaraṇas), led by Pāṇini, Patañjali, and Bhartṛhari in the Vākyapadīya, advance sphoṭa theory: śabda as eternal, indivisible, manifesting meaning holistically through dhvani (prākṛta natural and vaikṛta modified), where sphoṭa bridges sound, cognition, and reality. Detailing eight sphoṭa types (e.g., varṇa-sphoṭa, pada-sphoṭa, vākya-sphoṭa, jāti variants), the paper refutes jāti-sphoṭa due to absent substratum-attribute relations, using illumination/reflection analogies to affirm sphoṭa's unity amid variations. It elucidates the Śābdika doctrine, where sphoṭa transcends sequential phonemes (varṇa), manifesting as śabda-tattva or śabda-Brahman-the imperishable source of cosmic processes, echoing Vedic speech (vāc) birthing worlds. Aligned with IKS principles paramparā is called an unbroken tradition, dṛṣṭi (unique perspective), and laukik prayojana (practical utility) this study highlights śabda's relevance to modern linguistics, cognitive science, education, and holistic well-being, decolonizing discourse and reaffirming Bharata's sustainable heritage. Śabda's eternal authority illuminates truth for scholars and seekers.