Vaisheshika

Definition

Vaisheshika is an ancient Indian school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the analysis of the nature of reality through the study of the fundamental constituents of the universe. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and is particularly focused on the concept of substance in the context of metaphysics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaisheshika philosophy was founded by the sage Kanada, who is believed to have lived around the 2nd century BCE.
2. The Vaisheshika system posits that the entire universe is composed of six fundamental categories or entities: substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, and inherence.
3. The seven eternal substances recognized in Vaisheshika are earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, and space.
4. Vaisheshika emphasizes the analysis of the nature of reality through the study of the fundamental constituents of the universe, known as padārthas.
5. The Vaisheshika system is closely related to the Nyāya school of Indian philosophy, and the two schools are often studied together.

Review Questions

• Explain the concept of padārtha in the Vaisheshika system and its significance in the analysis of the nature of reality.
  • The concept of padārtha is central to the Vaisheshika system, as it refers to the fundamental categories or ontological entities that make up the universe. These include substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, and inherence. By analyzing these fundamental constituents of reality, the Vaisheshika philosophers sought to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the world and the underlying principles that govern it. The study of padārthas is thus crucial to the Vaisheshika approach to metaphysics and the exploration of the fundamental structure of the universe.
• Describe the seven eternal substances recognized in the Vaisheshika system and explain their significance in the school's metaphysical framework.
  • The Vaisheshika system recognizes seven eternal substances: earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, and space. These substances are considered the fundamental building blocks of the universe, and their study is central to the Vaisheshika's analysis of the nature of reality. Each substance is characterized by specific qualities and attributes, and the interactions and relationships between these substances are believed to give rise to the observable phenomena of the world. Understanding the properties and interactions of these seven eternal substances is crucial to the Vaisheshika's metaphysical understanding of the universe and its underlying structure.
• Analyze the relationship between the Vaisheshika system and the Nyāya school of Indian philosophy, and discuss how their shared concepts and approaches contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of reality.
  • The Vaisheshika system and the Nyāya school of Indian philosophy are closely related and often studied together. Both schools share a focus on the analysis of the fundamental constituents of the universe and the exploration of the nature of reality. While the Vaisheshika system emphasizes the study of the six categories of padārthas, the Nyāya school places greater emphasis on the study of logic, reasoning, and the acquisition of valid knowledge. However, the two schools are complementary, as the Nyāya school's focus on epistemology and the validation of knowledge can inform and enrich the Vaisheshika's metaphysical analysis of the fundamental structure of the universe. By considering the insights and approaches of both schools, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian philosophical tradition's exploration of the nature of reality and the underlying principles that govern the world.

Related terms

Padārtha: The fundamental categories or ontological entities recognized in the Vaisheshika system, including substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, and inherence.

Dravya: The seven eternal substances recognized in Vaisheshika: earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, and space.

Guṇa: The twenty-four qualities or attributes of substances, such as color, taste, smell, touch, number, quantity, individuality, and so on.