SAIVA-SIDDHANTA

THE ANALOGIES IN THE GITA.
Analogy is very largely used in the elucidation and
explanation of various principles in Oriental philosophy, and
with more or less effect. In most cases, they serve a very
important function, and many truths there are, which by reason
of their dealing with the ultimate existences can alone be
demonstrated by such analogies, and not by any other kind of
proof. In the use of such analogies there are great dangers also,
and the analogy may look so plausible that one is apt to be
carried away by it, without noting the inherent flaws in it, and
which a little closer investigation will clearly bring out. Care
should, however, be taken to distinguish between analogies
which are merely similes or metaphors, based on a mere
semblance, and intended merely to bring home to our minds, the
subject matter in a more impressive and clearer light, and
analogies strictly so-called, intended as proof. In the latter case,
mere semblance alone will not do, and there must be sameness in
the various parts of the illustration and the thing illustrated.
Neglect of this rule often leads to great confusion and error in
thought. If for the particular inference desired, the antecedents
conform to the antecedents in the analogy, the inference will be
quitejustified, if it conforms to the consequence in the analogy ;
and it would be simply illogical to strain the illustration to other
purposes and to extremes. Analogy at best is but an indifferent
kind of proof, and where we do not take the proper precautions
in using it, its value in philosophic argument will be almost
nothing. Another source of error in the use of analogies by
Indian writers is the brevity of expressions which is characteris
tic of such analogies, as we meet them in some of the most
ancient books. Where the analogy is taken literally, without
supplying the necessary parts and ellipses, they cannot but
lead one astray.