Vaisheshika
कणाद
Kanada
Dates are highly uncertain; scholars' estimates for the Vaisheshika Sutras range from several centuries BCE to the early centuries CE.
Editorial overview
Historical context
Kanada is traditionally the author of the Vaisheshika Sutras, the root text of the Vaisheshika school. His name is often explained as 'atom-eater' or 'grain-gatherer', and the stories told about him are legendary. Vaisheshika developed an analysis of reality into categories and an atomic theory of matter. It later merged with Nyaya into a combined school, and Prashastapada's commentary (around the 6th century CE) became its classic exposition.
Core ideas
- Reality can be analysed into categories (padarthas): substance, quality, action, universal, particularity and inherence, with absence added later
- Material things are composed of eternal, indivisible atoms
- Nine substances, including the self (atman) and mind (manas), are recognised
- Dharma is presented as that which leads to worldly welfare and the highest good
- Knowledge of the categories contributes to liberation
Major works
Concepts
Conceptतत्त्वTattva — principle of reality'Thatness' — a basic category or principle of reality, counted differently by different schools.Conceptआत्मन्Atman — the SelfThe innermost Self — what you are beneath body, mind and personality.Conceptमनस्Manas — mindThe mind that receives, coordinates and desires — restless by nature.Conceptधर्मDharmaWhat upholds — order, duty, right conduct, and the nature of things.Conceptमोक्षMoksha — liberationFinal freedom from bondage and the cycle of rebirth.
Philosophical disagreements
Presented so you can understand each side — not to declare a winner.
With Buddhist philosophy
Vaisheshika's enduring substances, real wholes and universals, and enduring self stand against Buddhist doctrines of momentariness and no-self, and were long debated between the schools.
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Related thinkers
Traditions