Vaisheshika

Vaisheshika (Sanskrit: वैशेषिक) is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy (Darshanas) that emerged in ancient India. It is primarily concerned with metaphysics and epistemology, focusing on the nature of reality and the categorization of the world. Vaisheshika is closely associated with the Nyaya school, and together they are often referred to as Nyaya-Vaisheshika.

Historical Background

Vaisheshika was founded by the sage Kanada, also known as Ulluka, around the 2nd century BCE. The foundational text of this school is the Vaisheshika Sutra, attributed to Kanada. The school developed further through commentaries and expansions by later philosophers such as Prashastapada, who wrote the Padartha Dharma Sangraha.

Core Concepts

Vaisheshika is known for its unique approach to understanding the universe through a system of categories and its theory of atomism.

Categories (Padarthas)

Vaisheshika classifies all objects of experience into seven categories, known as padarthas:

1. Dravya (Substance): The substratum of qualities and actions, including the nine substances: earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, space, self, and mind. 2. Guna (Quality): Attributes that inhere in substances, such as color, taste, smell, and touch. 3. Karma (Action): Movement or activity that occurs in substances. 4. Samanya (Generality): The universal or common properties that allow for classification. 5. Vishesha (Particularity): The unique characteristics that distinguish individual entities. 6. Samavaya (Inherence): The relation that allows qualities and actions to reside in substances. 7. Abhava (Non-existence): The absence or negation of an entity.

Atomism

Vaisheshika posits that the physical world is composed of indivisible, eternal atoms (paramanu). These atoms combine in various ways to form the diverse objects and phenomena we observe. The theory of atomism in Vaisheshika is one of the earliest known forms of atomism in the world.

Epistemology

Vaisheshika recognizes four valid means of knowledge (pramanas):

1. Perception (Pratyaksha) 2. Inference (Anumana) 3. Comparison (Upamana) 4. Testimony (Shabda)

These pramanas are used to gain knowledge about the world and to understand the categories of reality.

Influence and Legacy

Vaisheshika has significantly influenced other Indian philosophical systems, particularly Nyaya, with which it shares many concepts. The logical and analytical methods developed by Vaisheshika have contributed to the development of Indian logic and epistemology.

Also see

• Nyaya
• Samkhya
• Yoga
• Vedanta
• Mimamsa
• Indian philosophy