Vaisheshika Philosophy

Introduction

• Vaisheshika is often paired with Nyaya.
• Traditionally attributed to Rishi Kanada.
• Kanada authored Vaisheshika Sutras in the 5th century.
• Combined with Nyaya into a syncretic school called Nyaya-Vaisheshika.

Etymology

• Vaisheshika derives from Sanskrit 'vishesha' meaning 'difference' or 'unique attribute'.

Core Beliefs

• Diversity is fundamental to the world.
• Recognizes multiple entities in everyday experience.
• Unlike Advaita Vedanta which emphasizes unity (Brahman), Vaisheshika accepts diversity.

Theoretical Approach

• Classifies entities into categories to simplify understanding.
• Knowledge of these categories is essential for liberation.

Categories of Existence

• Seven categories:
  1. Dravya (Substance)
  2. Guna (Attribute)
  3. Karma (Action)
  4. Samanya (Universal)
  5. Vishesha (Particularity)
  6. Samavaya (Inherence)
  7. Abhava (Absence)
• Six are existent (Bhava Padarthas) and one is non-existent (Abhava Padartha).

Example Explanation

• Sentence: "No brown cow walks here."
  • Cow and here: Dravya (substance)
  • Brown: Guna (attribute)
  • Walks: Karma (action)
  • No: Abhava (absence)
• Categories are used to break down and understand sentences.

Theory of Paramanu

• Vaisheshika pioneered the concept of Paramanu (atomic theory).
• Paramanu is the smallest, indivisible particle.
• Each paramanu has a unique 'vishesha'.
• Paramanu differs from the modern atomic theory.
• Cannot be perceived directly; understood through inference.

Influence and Interaction

• Nyaya school borrowed from Vaisheshika and vice-versa.
• Shared beliefs include concepts like Ishwara.
• Vaisheshikas and other Indian philosophies like Jainism and Buddhism had their own theories of paramanu.

Liberation

• Correct understanding of pramana (means of knowledge) and prameya (objects of knowledge) leads to liberation.
• Role of Ishwara aligns with Nyaya beliefs.

Conclusion

• Vaisheshika is a foundational school in Indian philosophy emphasizing classification and diversity.
• Its contributions to ontology, specifically through the idea of categories and atomic theory, are significant to Indian philosophical thought.