Note 191 — SA@NKARA'S INTRODUCTION (continued 3)

Footnote 191:

(return)

This last sentence is directed against the possible objection that 'sabda,' which the Sûtra brings forward as an argument in favour of the highest Lord being meant, has the sense of 'sentence' (vâkya), and is therefore of less force than li@nga, i.e. indicatory or inferential mark which is represented in our passage by the a@ngushthamâtratâ of the purusha, and favours the jîva interpretation. Sabda, the text remarks, here means sruti, i.e. direct enunciation, and sruti ranks, as a means of proof, higher than li@nga.