Unit 2: Vaisheshika Ontology (Padartha)
The Classification of Reality and Atomism.
1. The Concept of Padartha
A Padartha literally means "the meaning of a word." In Vaisheshika, it refers to all objects of experience that can be named and known. Initially, Kanada mentioned six categories; a seventh (Abhava) was added later.
2. Dravya (Substance)
Dravya is the substratum where qualities and actions reside. There are nine eternal substances:
- Five Physical Atoms: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Ap), Fire (Tejas), Air (Vayu), and Ether (Akasha).
- Non-Physical: Time (Kala), Space (Dik), Soul (Atman), and Mind (Manas).
Vaisheshika Atomism (Paramanu-vada)
Vaisheshika argues that the physical world is made of indivisible, eternal Atoms (Paramanus). Unlike modern science, they believe atoms are qualitative (e.g., Earth atoms have smell; Water atoms have taste). Atoms are guided by Adrishta (the unseen moral force) during creation.
3. Guna and Karma
Guna (Quality)
There are 24 qualities (like color, taste, number, and magnitude) that reside in substances. Qualities are static and cannot exist independently of a substance.
Karma (Action)
Physical movement or action. There are five types: Upward, Downward, Contraction, Expansion, and Locomotion. Action belongs only to material substances.
4. Samanya, Vishesha, and Samavaya
- Samanya (Generality): The universal class essence (e.g., "Cowness" shared by all cows).
- Vishesha (Particularity): The unique individuality that distinguishes eternal substances (like two atoms) from each other. This gives the school its name: Vaisheshika.
- Samavaya (Inherence): An eternal, inseparable relationship between a substance and its qualities, or a whole and its parts (e.g., the relationship between a cloth and its threads).
5. Abhava (Non-existence)
Vaisheshika is a radical realism; they believe even the absence of something is a type of knowledge.
- Pragabhava: Antecedent non-existence (the pot didn't exist before it was made).
- Pradhvamsabhava: Posterior non-existence (the pot ceases to exist after it is broken).
- Atyantabhava: Absolute non-existence (e.g., a "square circle").
Exam Essentials
- The Term: Why is it called Vaisheshika? Because it emphasizes Vishesha (the particularity of eternal substances).
- Atomism: Be prepared to explain how Vaisheshika atomism differs from Greek atomism (Vaisheshika atoms are qualitative and guided by God/Karma).
- Asatkaryavada: Vaisheshika supports the theory that the effect is a new creation, not pre-existing in the cause.