MitraVita - Hinduism Simplified

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Vaisheshika

Vaisheshika Darshan

What is Vaisheshika?

Vaisheshika Darshan is an ancient Indian school of thought that emphasizes the concept of 'Advaya' (non-duality) and 'Vishesh' (duality).

  • It was founded by Kanada, a sage who lived around 500 BCE.
  • Vaisheshika Darshan is based on the concept of 'Dvaita' (dualism), which states that the universe is composed of two fundamental substances: 'Dravya' (matter) and 'Gdravya' (energy).
  • The school also emphasizes the concept of 'Krama' (sequence), which states that all phenomena arise in a specific order.

Key Concepts

  • Dravya: The fundamental substance of the universe, which is composed of matter and energy.
  • Gdravya: The fundamental substance of the universe, which is composed of energy and consciousness.
  • Shunya: The concept of nothingness or emptiness, which is the absence of Dravya and Gdravya.
  • Prakriti: The natural world, which is composed of Dravya and Gdravya.

History

Vaisheshika Darshan was founded by Kanada in the 5th century BCE.

  • The school gained popularity during the Gupta Empire (320-550 CE).
  • Vaisheshika Darshan was influenced by other Indian schools of thought, such as Nyaya and Yoga.
  • The school was later revived during the 19th century CE by Indian scholars.

Influence

Vaisheshika Darshan has had a significant influence on Indian philosophy and science.

  • The school's concept of 'Dvaita' has influenced the development of Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Vaisheshika Darshan's emphasis on 'Krama' has influenced the development of Ayurveda and Yoga.
  • The school's concept of 'Shunya' has influenced the development of Buddhist and Jain philosophies.

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