Vaisesika Philosophy
The Vaisesika school was founded by the sage Kanada, also known as Uluka, which is why the system is occasionally called Aulukya.
Kaṇada composed the foundational text of this philosophy, the Vaisesika Sutra, structured into ten chapters, each divided into two sections.
A significant commentary on this text, the Svartha Dharma Sangraha, was written by Prasastapada and is commonly referred to simply as the Bhaṣya in traditional Indian philosophical literature.
When the term Bhaṣya is mentioned without further context, it often points to this specific work.
Later interpretations of Prasastapada’s commentary include Kiraṇavali by Udayana and Nyayakandali by Sridhara.
Central to the Vaisesika system is its concept of viseṣa—or "particularity"—which gave the school its name.
Vaisesika places significant emphasis on the analysis of dravya (substance or material elements), distinguishing between individual particulars and their combinations.
It teaches that when earth, water, fire, air, and ether unite, they form new composite objects.
The school is also known for its atomistic theory, asserting that all material substances are composed of indivisible atoms—an idea that marks the early beginnings of physics in India.
Over time, the school's scientific framework evolved to incorporate belief in God and spiritual goals, eventually aligning itself with concepts of heaven and liberation (moksha).
