Different from these and superior is that method consisting in discriminative knowledge of the manifest, the unmanifest and the knower. Perception, inference and testimony are recognized as the threefold proof, since all other proofs are included in these. The establishment of all that is to be proven depends, verily, on the means of demonstration. Perception is the ascertainment of specific objects. Inference is declared to be threefold and follows from the knowledge of the characteristic mark and of its possessor.
Testimony comes from trustworthy persons and from revelation.
Non-perception may be because of extreme distance or proximity, impairment of the senses, mental unsteadiness, subtlety, interposition, suppression, blending with what is similar, and other causes. Primary matter is not apprehended on account of its extreme subtlety and not because of its non-existence, as it is perceived through its effects. The effect subsists, for that which is non-existent cannot be brought into existence, and effects come from appropriate causes. Everything is not by every means possible, as capable causes produce only that which they can and the effect is of the same nature as the cause. The manifest is caused, perishable, finite, mutable, manifold, dependent, identifiable, composite and subordinate.