LalithA SahasranAma [453] trinayanA

[Guest guest]

trinayanA : Three-eyed.

 

The three eyes are the moon, the sun and the fire. Or, trinayana, is

another name for the word vausat [particle of invocation of gods],

Or, nayana indicates proofs, naya, to lead, ie leads one to proof.

The Sandilya-Sutra [99] says, :" There are three proofs, namely

word, inference, and observation like Rudra." [Rudra has three eyes,

neither more nor less, similarly there are three proofs] Here sabda

[vocal authority] corresponds to srvana [hearing, etc. of Br. Up.,

II. 4. 5]; inference, as it is mental, to manana [perception] and

observation to nidhidhyAsana [reflection]. But occasionally

different ideas may intrude upon this [reflection], hence the

ascetic Sandilya [99] takes sabda first [because the last is more

important]. UpamAna [illustration, the third proof] is omitted here

because it is not required. Hence Manu [smr. V. XII. 105] enumerates

three only. "Perception, inference, and scriptures, consisting of

different branches, these three should be used by those who desire

to practise righteousness [dharma]". So Samkhya [i. 81] and

YogasUtras [i.7], repeat the above.

 

Or, tri, three [paths] ie south, north and the path of Brahman, naya

to lead. She leads those who are entitled to have one of the three

paths. The Dev. Pr says, "There are the southern and northern

worlds, and the supreme abode of Brahman, as she leads those who

follow the right way, she is called TrinayanA"

 

 

BhAskararAya's Commentary

Translated into English by R. Ananthakrishna Sastry