Ghunakshara Nyaya | घुणाक्षर न्याय
Ghunakshar Nyay (Devanagari: घुणाक्षर न्याय; ISO 15919: ghuṇākṣara nyāya) refers to the Maxim of the Woodworm and the Letter.
Etymology
- Ghun (घुन): A weevil or woodworm that burrows into wood or grain.
- Akshar (अक्षर): A letter or alphabet.
- Nyay (न्याय): A rule of reasoning or logic.
The Maxim The intellect of a Ghun is negligible; it cannot possibly learn or write. However, while randomly burrowing through wood or grain, there is an infinitesimally small chance it might carve a shape resembling a letter. According to this maxim, if such a rare event occurs, God bestows Mukti (liberation) on the jiva.
Spiritual Significance This illustrates the extreme mercy of God and the inherent potency of the Divine Name. It implies that if a living being—even one as insignificant as a worm—accidentally forms or contacts the Lord's name without any intent or intelligence, the All-Gracious Lord still grants them liberation.
The Realization: If such grace is available for accidental contact, just imagine the immense spiritual reward one can attain by intentionally reciting His name while performing Roopdhyan (meditation on His form).